The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

–Parallel verses:
II Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”

Fire is a dynamic element. There is a component of it that brings security and provision. There is also a part of it which is unknown, wild, and uncontrollable. Many of my greatest memories are camping around a campfire. These fires keep us warm, allow us to see into the darkness, and keep us safe from wild animals. The picture of Mowgli in the jungle book using fire to ward off Shere Khan will always be cemented in my mind. Fire also has an unknown component to it. It can spread quickly; it can consume acres and acres of forest landscape and homes. It can destroy those things that bring us comfort. When I think about John’s description of Jesus Christ and what he will bring with him, the element of fire is a great comparison. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost it was symbolized by flames. For the believer, the Holy Spirit brings comfort, provision and the closeness to the Almighty God. For the world, the fire of the Holy Spirit brings the destruction of darkness, an unknown and rapid advance into the hearts of men for good, and a passion and vibrancy for life. Satan and his demons hate this! The apostle Paul talks about this movement of God’s Spirit in the hearts of men in terms of an aroma. This aroma is pleasing to God, and it is attractive to those who follow Jesus Christ. But it is the aroma of death to those who are lost in darkness and follow the evil of this world. Fire, too, has an aroma. The campfire has an aroma filled with sweet memories and excitement. But the fire that chars houses and burns up forests is not a sweet aroma to those who are caught in it, or impacted by it. Let us remember today the all-consuming fire that is the Spirit of God. Let show reverence and fear to our awesome God, and honor him by drawing close in relationship to him. And let us not forget to spread like wildfire the love and truth and kindness of God’s Spirit into a dark world, fraught with evil.

Lord thank you for your Spirit that you’ve placed in my heart. May I let your Spirit shine through me and expand rapidly into the hearts of those around me. Teach me to live life with your spiritual goals and priorities in mind. I will frequently seek your heart, so that I may operate in the power and might of your Spirit.