0508. PULLED OUT OF THE FIRE
PULLED OUT OF THE FIRE
Jud_1:23
What is more alarming than an outbreak of fire? What excitement! What consternation! What strenuous, self-sacrificing efforts to save the perishing inmates from the blazing tenement. The fire of sin broke out in Eden, and has spread over the whole world. The only way of escape is by that ladder which Jacob saw, which reaches from earth to Heaven (John 14 6) Think of the-
I. Nature of Sin It is compared here to "fire." Fire is an element that can neither be weighed nor measured. Who can set a boundary to the workings of sin, or reckon up its capabilities and effects? The nature of sin, like fire, is to mar or destroy all that comes within its grasp that is not able to resist its mighty influence. Sin is an unquenchable fire, as far as the wisdom and power of man is concerned.
II. Danger of the Sinner. As he needs to be "pulled out" of the fire, it is clear that he must be in the fire. He is living under the power and dominion of sin, therefore, in sin. He may be utterly unconscious of his awful position, but the end is destruction all the same. To be in a state of sin is to be in a state of condemnation. Sin, like fire, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
III. Work of Rescue. "Pulling them out of the fire." There are only two ways whereby a brand can be saved from the burning: either put out the fire, or pull out the brand. Men cannot put out the fire of sin, so sinners must be pulled out of the fire. In this world of sin the Church is God’s fire brigade-a rescue party sent to pull men out of the fire. There is no escape from sin’s destructive power but by being separated from it. The love of Christ is the constraining motive.
Fire in an Asylum
On the 27th January, 1903, fire broke out in a London lunatic asylum. Of the 300 inmates, 50 perished and 250 had to be literally pulled out of the fire. While the work of rescue was going on, these poor insane creatures behaved in such a way as to remind us very forcibly of how insane sinners behave when their salvation is earnestly sought after by others. It was reported that-
"Some laughed at the mention of fire." Only fools could laugh at a calamity like this. Fools make a mock at sin. Only those who are morally insane would dare to trifle with the fire of sin.
"Some said they would not leave their bed in the night and go out." They would not consent to leave their present enjoyment, even to save their lives. There are many like this, who prefer the pleasures of a condemned state to the joys of salvation. Their madness is self-evident by the choice they make.
"Some were found hiding under the bed from the fire." In their refuge of lies, they said, "Peace, peace, when there was no peace." No one but a fool can suppose that a bed of ease or of indifference is any protection against a consuming fire. Be sure your sin, like a fire, will find you out.
"Some seemed to fancy that the rescuers had made the fire." They were blamed for trying to "burn them up." You would think, to hear some people speak, that preachers were the makers of Hell, and the disturbers of the peace, by seeking to convince men of sin and to pull them out of their perishing condition. Of course in making a charge like this they only prove that they are beside themselves.
"Many of them fought against their rescuers, biting and tearing their hair out." What a melancholy picture; what a sad proof of insanity-warring against those who were sacrificing themselves for their deliverance. It is no uncommon experience for those who seek to pull men out of the fire of sin to have their Christ-like efforts gnashed upon with their teeth, and to have their merciful motives torn to pieces. Only spiritual lunatics could behave in this fashion.
"Some were heard knocking at a closed door to get out, when it was too late." It must have been a terrible awakening to come to their senses and find themselves imprisoned in a devouring fire. Those who refuse to be pulled out of the fire of sin will perish in it. "How shall ye escape, if ye neglect so great salvation?"
"Every sane man and woman went to the rescue." The time was short; the doom of the unsaved was certain; the work was great and urgent; every other interest was set aside; the one thing needful was the salvation of souls. All sane Christians make it their chief business to get souls pulled out of the fire of sin. Are you out or in?
Autor: James Smith