Raging Fire or Cup of Water?
he Bible uses metaphors a lot. Sometimes, however, we run the risk of pushing a metaphor too far. For example, when Paul talks about “the armor of God” with relation to things that should characterize us as believers, we might go too far into the “army” metaphor and begin to see everything related to Christianity as being militaristic in nature.
This especially proves problematic when we have metaphors used in Scripture that seem to conflict with other metaphors. For example, God is shown in Old Testament as wooing the nation of Israel as a husband woos his wife. The whole story of Hosea relates to this metaphor of a loving husband and a wandering wife. Yet, we also see God portrayed in Scripture as Father. Likewise, we (the Church) make up the “bride of Christ”, yet Christ is also described as our brother. If we push either metaphor too far, the other seems to make no sense (or worse, is viewed as something very unnatural).
In Scripture, we see fire used in some metaphorical ways. God refines us, as gold is refined by fire. This shows the purifying nature of fire when it is applied to precious metals. God also talks about His word in this way. Jeremiah 23:29 says, “‘Is not My word like fire?’ declares the LORD, ‘and like a hammer which shatters a rock?’”
So does this mean that whenever we respond to people, we have the right to burn them with fire and smash them like a hammer shatters a rock? Hardly! Because there are other metaphors that need to be considered.
Look at water. Now, as everyone knows, water can actually put out a fire. So, at first glance, the water metaphor may seem automatically at odds with the fire metaphor. How can the two coexist?
Yet Scripture talks about living water flowing out of us. It talks about giving a cup of water to people as representatives of Christ. It shows the refreshing characteristic of water as part of the good news of the Gospel.
So we see these two seemingly conflicting metaphors at work. The Holy Spirit within us is depicted as fire, yet out of us can come refreshing water! Is one right and the other wrong? No. Is there a time for each? Yes.
The question that I must ask myself is, do I emphasize one over the other? If all I do in my interactions (especially with believers) is burn them with “fire” (even if I think I’m doing it on the basis of using the Scriptures to make my points), I am wrong. If all I see myself as is the burning flame of purifying fire, attempting to burn away all the things I see as wrong with others, I err grievously.
Likewise, if all I am doing is trying to make everyone feel good, handing out cups of cold water indiscriminately, I err on the other side. Let’s all consider how we may encourage each other, speaking those words of purification when necessary, but also giving refreshment to each other as we walk together.
Until next time,
steve 
October 22nd, 2006 20:45
Steve,
Very good point. The Bible says that we are to “speak the truth in love”. I have heard it said that “truth without love is too hard, but love without truth is too soft”. It seems to me that, as believers, we are called to avoid extremes. The narrow way seems to always be that balancing beam between seemingly polarized opposites. (ie faith vs. works)
October 22nd, 2006 21:27
Raborn, thanks for the feedback. This topic reminds me of how you and I frequently talk about the ditches on either side of the road. I had that in the back of my mind as I was writing this post.
There is a tendency to falsely dichotomize positions. You mentioned a classic one: faith vs. works. The correct answer is that there needs to be both. We cannot, according to James, have faith without works. I think it would be reasonable, likewise, to draw from Scripture that works without faith accomplish nothing of eternal value. So, it’s a both/and.
Thanks for the interaction, bro. Sorry about the Panthers today
steve
October 22nd, 2006 21:47
Thanks for your condolences…those Cowboys sure better bring their “A” game next week though.
October 22nd, 2006 23:15
Steve,
Very good post! It has stricken a chord with me between love and the application of the law. So quick I want to give people Moses when I really need to give them Jesus. And then some folks need a good dose of Moses!
You have reminded me that the tightrope we walk is delicate and frail.
Blessings multiplied,
Tony
October 23rd, 2006 08:14
Good post. The problem that I see a lot is that people act like a fire or a hammer towards others, but there is little or no scripture involved. They transfer the qualities of the Bible onto their own thoughts. Is it too judgmental to say that this is “arrogant”? Must we really be able to look into someone’s heart to see if they are truly in this condition?
I don’t think so.
October 23rd, 2006 09:13
Tony, yes the balance between love and law is very critical. I would say, when in doubt, give them Jesus!
Gordon, transferring the qualities of the Bible onto our own thoughts is incredibly dangerous. And, of course, it raises the same questions we talked about here not too long ago about sola scriptura.
Your points about arrogance are well-said. When I point out that someone is guilty of arrogance, it is a statement based on fruit. Jesus said that we speak out of the abundance of our heart. So, while we can’t see into another man’s heart, we can see what comes out of it.
October 23rd, 2006 10:20
Steve,
Really enjoyed this. I appreciate your point about trying to make to much of metaphors in Scripture. The same is true when interpreting parables, analogies, etc. Take it for what it says and stop there!
Great thoughts, thanks.
October 23rd, 2006 14:57
I think that all metaphors in scripture, particularly the OT… are basically shadows…mere outlines of what is truth…. and as you say, should not be taken to the extreme but are applicable in varying circumstances… the Truth, however, becomes much clearer in the NT …. as we see more of Christ, unvelied by His death and resurrection, so now we see through a glass darkly…not yet clearly but certainly better than mere shadows…
October 23rd, 2006 16:03
Hey Steve,
Great post. Often life seems a conundrum to me. I can rationalize on both sides of the coin, extrapolate to multiple possibilities and am left scratching my head over what is the best way to speak to this person on that issue.
The “answer” is to rest in the presence of Christ, trusting in the ultimate wisdom, strength and goodness of our Lord. Speaking from there can be both fire and water!
October 23rd, 2006 23:50
The “answer†is to rest in the presence of Christ
ded, thank you for these wise words. Resting in Christ is a definite must for the believer!
Thank you also, Jada’s Gigi and Cameron for your insights.
October 25th, 2006 00:14
Yes, metaphores can collide, and it is important to let each stand for itself. I like to view them as tentposts (a metaphore on metaphores!)each supporting a portion of fabric and together creating a room of understanding. It is no good choosing one over the others. But scripture sure has the qualities of quenching my thirst, while at the same time burning away in me the things that are unpleasing to Him, it also sets my heart on fire, producing love and a firm intent to serve Him, no matter what. I believe these qualities of scripture are inherent in it, it´s what scripture does. Not so much what we are to do with it.