“Flame of God”

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me.”

— Isaiah 6:8

In 1956, five American missionaries were killed in the jungles of Ecuador by fierce Indians. One of them was Jim Elliot, who famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

In his senior year at Wheaton College, Elliot wrote some words in his diary, which I recall reading and being awestruck that any college senior could write such words: “[God] makes ‘His ministers a flame of fire.’ Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of ‘other things.’ Satu­rate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be a flame. But flame is transient, often short-lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul—short life? … ‘Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.'” Some seven years later, that fuel was consumed.

What is it that holds us back from total surrender or unconditional service? We are often afraid that God will ask us to do something too hard or too difficult.

I am sure Jim Elliot did not regret his decision. (Certainly his writings before his death would indicate as such.) Whatever God calls us to do, it will be an adventure, and He promises to go with us every step of the way.

Question to ponder:
Can I commit myself to God at a deeper level? Is there anything I am holding back from Him?