Who maketh His angels spirits, His ministers [or servants] a flaming fire.
Psalm 104:4 KJV
What does Scripture mean when it says that God makes His ministers a flaming fire? The meaning (as I believe the Lord has revealed it to me) is just so beautiful and I would love to share it with you.
A minister is actually a servant, and the purpose of ministry is to serve God and His people. This shows us the heart of God. When Jesus came to earth to fulfill His earthly ministry, He deserved all the praise, glory, honor, and worship because He is the Son of God. However, in His humility, He said that He did not come to be served, but to serve:
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28 NKJV
From what I have seen and observed in Scripture, fire can have several hidden meanings, including: zeal; passion; judgment; testing; or purification. The Lord will always reveal the correct hidden meaning based upon the context of the Scripture we are reading. In Psalm 104:4, it refers to zeal or passion, or being on fire for God (metaphorically speaking). If we look at the meaning of the word “flaming” in verse 4, it means to kindle or to set on fire.
I’d like to share an experience I had a few years ago, through which God gave me the understanding of this Scripture. One day while I was out evangelizing, I believe the Holy Spirit drew my attention to the song playing in the shop. When I heard these words from the song, “This girl is on fire,” I couldn’t help smiling the biggest smile because I knew that God was giving me a message. At the time, I already knew that I was “on fire” for Him, but by Him drawing my attention to these words, He was letting me know that He knew it too.
The good news for us is that this Scripture tells us that God is the One who makes His ministers a flaming fire. We don’t have to try by our own works or effort to set ourselves on fire (figuratively speaking) for God, because we can’t. I believe that if we willingly serve God from a pure and willing heart, He will lead us on the journey He has for us, and He will kindle the flame. Thank You Jesus!
I’d like to close this message off with a word of encouragement. I understand that following Jesus is not easy, and I too have had my ups and downs. I also know that the closer we try to draw to God, the more resistance there is from the enemy. If I’m completely honest, there have been times over the last few years where I have felt that flame get smaller and smaller until there was only a flicker of a flame left. When this happened, I asked the Lord to please throw fuel or gas onto the fire, because I always want to stay “on fire” for Him. I never want that flame to die down. God, in His mercy and lovingkindness always answered that prayer for me. Thank You Jesus.
If you have felt your flame get smaller, or you feel like it may need to be reignited, may I encourage you to pray and ask God to help you. Remember that Scripture tells us that God makes His servants a flaming fire, therefore the path He leads you on to reignite the flame will most likely be connected to serving Him as well as serving others. Be strong and courageous to take the path that He shows you, knowing that soon you will once again experience that fire that burned so brightly inside your heart. God is faithful to His word, and He will do it.