There are so many metaphors for the Holy Spirit in the word of God, but this concept of the Spirit being a river is one of my favorites. We can see that there are multiple expressions of the river of God in the bible, two of which I have described, living water, and the river of pleasure. But I want to talk a little about the river of fire that Daniel saw.

“As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9-10)

The river of fire is a purging and purifying flame that aims at destroying anything within us that does not look like Jesus. The river of fire is the Holy Spirit! Selfishness, filthy imaginations, unclean desires, addictions, worldly pursuits, mental strongholds, and demonic influence are burned away in the ongoing encounter of the fire of God. This is what John spoke of when he said that Christ is the one who, “Baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)

Plenty of people preach about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but few teach of the, “and fire,” part. It’s a flame of divine passion and holiness that burns away the dross in our lives. Malachi had a similar revelation from the Holy Spirit, he writes,

“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:2-3)

God is a refiner’s fire, a burning purifying river of glory that will conform the children of God into the image of Christ. The fire is a supernatural substance of the Holy Spirit, He is is an all-consuming fire in His very being. (see Hebrews 12:29) There are many christians who are comfortable drinking the water of life, but will you drink the fire? Will you cry out for the fire of God to come upon your life, and burn away any form of compromise and hidden sin?

Now fire can also be trials and tribulations, and the Lord surely uses those to bring about a greater purity of character and faith. But there is also this supernatural experience of His fire where you are consumed and radically altered by the power of God. Sin becomes vile, your conscience becomes tender, your heart trembles at the word of God, and your life in secret is lived to the same standard that you display in public.

One of the highest aims in life is die completely to yourself and let Christ live His life in you and through you. This can only come by supernatural means. You desperately need His fire burning within you empowering a crucified lifestyle and purifying every thought, intent, and imagination of the heart. I urge you to please seek this baptism of fire in your life, let the Holy Spirit so consume you until the only thing that remains in Christ. Our God is an all-consuming fire! Don’t hold back, but fully give yourself to this flame, I promise you wont regret it!