Sermon: "The Fire of God"
The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg
Third Bishop of East Tennessee

The study of anthropology tells us that when human beings gained control of fire, evolution took a quantum leap forward. And, almost ever since then, people have been attracted to fire - a campfire or a fire in the fireplace, for instance. Such a spot often becomes a gathering place … a place where people come together - or, if only one person is involved, a place to which that person is drawn.

Some sociologists and psychologists did a study some time ago about this attraction to fire. I would not say that the study is earth-shaking or very important in the history of the world. However, it is interesting, I think. It has to do with how we approach a fire … and, in particular, how men and women differ in this regard.

In general, a man walks up to a fire, holding his palms facing the fire and his fingers outstretched. Then, he rubs those palms together, as he begins to warm up. That is the typical male rite in front of a fire, according to the study. On the other hand, a woman will usually wrap her arms around her body as she approaches a fire. And I understand that is also fairly characteristic of a female confronted by the cold. She typically reacts the same way as she begins to warm herself by a fire.

Now, both men and women do an interesting thing next. They turn their backs on the fire. It is a place of security, you see … and turning one's back to something indicates an attitude of trust. So, after having experienced some kind of initial greeting with the fire, then we turn our backs on it, in trust.

We read about a fire that someone found inviting in our First Lesson this morning. Moses was a shepherd at this point in his career development. It must have been during the summer that this scene took place - or, at least, some time in the warm months. Moses took his sheep up to a high place to find some grazing land. Down in the valleys and plateaus, the grass would have been brown and dried up at that time of year. So, Moses led his flock up towards Mt. Horeb, looking for a cooler place, a place where the grass would be greener - and, better for grazing.

As Moses walked along - probably becoming cooler as he ascended the hill - he saw a small fire over by the side of the pathway. Something about that was kind of inviting … so, Moses wandered in that direction while his flocks grazed nearby. He was attracted to the sight of a fire.

But then Moses realized that this was not a typical fire. A bush was burning, and that must have looked strange. And then, on further notice, he saw that the bush was not burning up, even though it was on fire. However, Moses continued to draw nearer. Maybe he had his hands out - in the typical male fashion - to warm them in the coolness of the day. But then, suddenly, a voice came out of the burning bush - and surely, that must have been the strangest part of this encounter.

What followed was the call of Moses to a particular task. The Lord made clear to him what he was to do. Moses was given the insight to know what God's intentions for his life were. On this occasion, God identified Moses as the one who was to lead God's people from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land.

Now, looking at this story from a different angle, we can make another point about fire - and that is that fire is an agent of change. Whenever there is fire, there also is change involved. This happens in people's lives - for instance, if a fire destroys a home or some property. Also, scientists tell us about the changes that happen in physical matter because of fire. Fire changes things.

In several ways, this biblical story is about change. As we imagined, perhaps Moses approached the fire to change from being cold to being warm. Fire puts off heat. It changes temperature.

But in this particular story, the most significant change happened in the person of Moses himself. He was changed from being a shepherd to being the leader of God's people. He would not deal with flocks of sheep anymore after this encounter with fire. Rather, he would deal with God's flock.

Another change that takes place because of this story is the change that happens to the people themselves … that is, the people of God. Their change is from the hopelessness of slavery to the hopefulness of God's promise. Moses becomes God's mouthpiece to the people - with Aaron's help - and through this mouthpiece, God speaks the word of hope. That is a radical change indeed - from despair to hope.

Now, how about us? In addition to the wonderful story of God's call of Moses, what does this reading say to us today? What is its meaning for us?

One important meaning has to do with our understanding of change. We have pointed out that the fire of God changes people. That fire of God - which we know as the Holy Spirit - is the divine change agent. Where the Holy Spirit of God is at work, change results.

This fire of God - the Spirit of God - is precisely our object of prayer at the time of Confirmation. It likewise is the fire that we stoke by reaffirming our Baptismal Covenant. This is the fire that changes us from slaves to self-serving sinfulness into children of God and inheritors of God's promises. This change is surely a good one - the change enabled by the fire of God. It involves our identity as being part of the being and purpose of God. Relationships among us are enriched as we are warmed - and changed - by the fire of God. This change affirms our hope - for this life and the life to come. The change produced by God's Spirit describes our need for Lent, as well as our anticipation of Easter.

In conclusion, then, God is the fire in the hearth of our lives. That fire warms us when we are cold; gives us comfort in times of need; and provides us with the opportunity for good and healthy fellowship. However, we remember that the fire of God produces change in our lives. Ultimately and finally, such change means that we have the hope to become who we are called to be - the beloved children of God