The Fire Fall

What is the Church? Where is the Church? Is it a building? Is it a denomination? Is it structure? Is it people?

As a child, one of the favorite illustrations was a little one in which the hand was used, together with these words:

“Here is the Church...Here is the steeple.
Open the doors...and see all the people.”

Very obviously, God had people in mind. And yet, today, so much of our Christian life centers on program, and structure, and buildings, and the legalisms that go with the work and activity of the Church.

In Colossians, the apostle Paul said, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones...” And we listen with a kind of amazement. We’ve never thought of ourselves as being “chosen” ones. And Paul goes on to describe what these “chosen ones” who are the Church must be: “holy, compassionate, kind, lowly, meek, patient, and forbearing of one another.” (Col. 3:12)

It is a high calling, to be the Church. Most of us feel woefully inadequate to be Christ’s representative, but he sends His Spirit to empower us, and through that Spirit, marvelous things can take place.

Years ago, there was a beautiful spectacle that took place during the summer evenings at Yosemite National Park in California. High up on Glacier Point, preparations were being made until darkness came upon the valley. Down below, the spectators were lined up, watching, and waiting. And then a voice from below would cry out, “Let the fire fall.” And from far above, as though in echo, would come the reply: “The fire falls!” And then, burning embers would come cascading over the edge, looking like a glowing red water-fall from heaven.

It was a marvelous sight to watch. And I am reminded that through the years, dedicated and committed Christians have been praying for the Church. And they have prayed, “Let the fire fall!” And behold, God’s Holy Spirit, like tongues of flame, has become evident, moving the Church, empowering the Church, to come alive and bear witness to the Christ who is the head of the Church. Today, we pray for the fire-fall. Let it come upon each one of us. “Now, Lord. Come now!”