Firefighters for Jesus

A firetruck races with sirens blaring, twisting through traffic toward a fire.  Cars on both sides of the road pull over to give the firetruck complete access.  When the firetruck arrives on scene the firefighters jump out and spring into action.  Hoses are rolled out and joined to the pump.  The lever is pulled and water is sprayed onto the burning building.  Others are dressed in fire gear with breathing apparatuses on.  With axes in hand they enter the building to rescue a trapped child. The rescue is a success, aside from a minor smoke inhalation problem, the child will be okay.

Being a firefighter has got to be one of the toughest jobs on planet earth.  Day after day they put their lives on the line to not only fight fires; but to enter into the heat of the danger to rescue people as well. 

After fighting a fire they are usually covered in soot and dirt.  It's not a suit and collar job for sure.  They face the danger of stepping on nails, to falling ceilings, and to the explosion of fuel tanks.  Danger lurks with every fire call.  It is the unknown and the unexpected that could be fatal to every firefighter.

Christians are firefighters of a different sort.  There are spiritual fires burning all around us, and so many people are trapped inside.  What will we do?  Are we willing to be firefighters for Jesus?

Church is about ministry - ministry beyond our own four walls.  It's safe to come to the firehouse once a week to maintain our firefighter's status.  But coming to the firehouse does not necessarily make us into true firefighter for Jesus.  Firefighters are trained to go.  When the alarm goes off they are quick to respond to the call.

Jude verse 23 is a firefighter's call.  It says, "Snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."

Christians are in the business of fighting the fires of hell on earth.  When the call comes we should be quick to respond.  It's not going to be easy work, there will be dangers and challenges to face.  People's lives are at stake.  It will be messy and dirty at times, but God has empowered you to put out the flames and to rescue those who are burning.

The alarms are ringing,........Are you ready to go?

Blessings,

-Leo