2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Judges 6:1-40 ESV, Luke 22:54-23:12 ESV, Psalm 95:1-96:13 ESV, Proverbs 14:5-6 ESV
Daily Verse: “And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.” (Luke 22:55 ESV)
HAPTO (681): “A primary verb; prop. To fasten to, i.e. (spec)) to set on fire-light (3x), kindle (1x). To fasten to, hence of fire, ‘to kindle” denotes in the middle voice.”[i]
Set on fire.
Poor Peter, I always feel sorry for him when I think of this scene. Jesus journeys to the cross while Peter sits by the fire, denying Him, waiting for unfolding events. Yet Jesus loved Him.
Kindling, small pieces of wood bundled together, starts fires. Peter’s response, grouped with his next two, began a spark of denial. Having walked with Christ for three years, Peter denies Jesus three times at this pivotal moment. How Peter could quickly turn on the Savior, I don’t know. Yet, we do the same thing. Without thinking, falling for the temptation to put ourselves first, we deny Christ, just like Peter.
Kindle intentionally.
Ron and I purchased a stainless steel outdoor fire pit for our deck. The first night we built a fire, we invited a friend over. Immediately, we realized the type of wood we had didn’t work well in the fire pit. Our friend, experienced with the firepit, said we needed white birch, a hardwood that didn’t pop as much.
The type of wood you use determines the fire. Hardwoods burn longer than softer woods, making more efficient fires. When we kindle actions of love together, like hardwoods, they create sparks that turn into infernos, changing the world.
As you move through your day, imagine building a fire from acts of love. Every kind gesture bundles together to start a blaze of affection. Show up for the people in your life repeatedly. Each time, adding more kindling to the fire, encouraging it to flourish.
Love grows with each kind act. Don’t underestimate how one spark can fuel an inferno.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p.40) Thomas Nelson
