READ Psalm 97:1–5. 1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
THE FIRE OF GOD. God’s return to renew the world will bring worldwide joy (verse 1). But the psalm then describes an intimidating scenario. God’s presence burns and consumes all that is unwell and twisted in his world. There will be those who refuse his kingship, and for them his coming will bring dismay (verses 1–5). What is this fire? It is the fire of God’s holy love, which must remove the impurities that ruin the creation he loves (verse 3; Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29). We should not find this strange. If we love someone, we must hate whatever is ruining their lives, even if it is their own choices. Because God is perfect love, he cannot abide evil and sin.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you that you are perfect in your holiness and moral beauty. There is no evil in you, nor can it exist in your presence. This is all my hope for change. Draw me nearer to you so the remaining sin in me can be exposed and consumed by your grace. Amen.