Kerygma

PURIFYING FIRE

So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. – John 2:15

My kitchen faucet leaked again and I had to pick up my plumber Alex from his house at the squatters area. To my surprise, what used to be a colony of rusty shanties, muddy corridors and putrid air, was now a pleasant community with widened roads, decent concrete houses and clean surroundings.

Before I even asked, Alex explained, “The city mayor had always wanted to improve the living conditions of the people here. But they wouldn’t allow clearing works that would sweep through their illegal structures. This prevented infrastructure and community development for so long. Then an accidental fire swept though the entire colony, forcibly cleaning the whole area. Suddenly, the government, NGOs and other well-meaning groups had free access to build their gift to the people. Thanks to the raging fire! It drove away all that had been hindering the blessings.”

Friend, are there things — mindset, habits, sins, even relationships — that need to be driven out of your life to give way to the next level blessing? God doesn’t bring the fire, but in His mercy allows it for our good. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)