Margaret Feinberg

Christian believers are called to be burning bushes. They are not necessarily called to be great, or to be promoters and organizers. But they are called to be people in whom the beautifying fire of God dwells, people who have met God in the purifying crisis of encounter!
–A.W. Tozer (Men Who Met God, 77).

Though I’ve reflected on Exodus 3 and Moses encounter with the burning bush, I’ve never thought of myself as the burning bush. Of course not, that is reserved God! But reflecting on Tozer’s words, I can string together his scriptural reasoning. We are called to be light, we are invited to encounter God so that we radiate His glory, and to live as those set on hill–a source of brightness in the darkness.

Tozer calls God’s fire “beautifying”. Yes, those who burn with passion for God are mesmerizing. But you can’t be on fire for God without feeling the heat. Weak areas are exposed. Impurities burn up. Loss is unavoidable. The gain is always greater…but those who burn with holy passion for God can’t avoid the singe.

God, At times I love the idea of being on fire for you far more than the reality. Give me the grace, the patience, the love, the passion to be ignited by and for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The newborn Christian is a migrant; he has come into the kingdom of God from his old home in the kingdom of man and he must get set for the violent changes that will inevitably follow.

One of the first changes will be a shift of interest from earth to heaven, from men to God, from time to eternity, from earthly gain to Christ and His eternal kingdom. Suddenly, or slowly but surely, he will develop a new pattern of life. Old things will pass away and behold, all things will become new, first inwardly and then outwardly; for the change within him will soon begin to express itself by corresponding changes in his manner of living.

–A.W. Tozer (The Dwelling Place of God, pg 62)

I’ve been thinking a lot about spiritual transformation–what really changes us? What makes us more into the image of Christ? Tozer makes it clear that spiritual transformation is ongoing. When we choose to follow Jesus, the old self falls off like the sloughing of skin. Yet what role do we play in the change? I don’t think spiritual transformation happens to us as much God works through us and we are invited to be participants through discipline, perseverance, and practice. I believe reading the scripture, prayer, and spiritual community are essential to spiritual transformation.

What leads to spiritual transformation in your own life? Is there a particular discipline or practice that ushers in the God’s transformative presence in your life?

God, Change me. Don’t stop changing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It is amazing to me! There are people within the ranks of Christianity who have been taught and who believe that Christ will shield His followers from wounds of every kind.

If the truth were known, the saints of God in every age were only effective after they had been wounded. They experienced the humbling wounds that brought contrition, compassion and a yearning for the knowledge of God. I could only wish that more among the followers of Christ knew what some of the early saints meant when they spoke of being wounded by the Holy Spirit.

Think for a moment about the apostle Paul. I suppose there is no theologian living or dead who quite knows what Paul meant when he said, “From henceforth let no man make trouble for me: for i bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). Every commentary has a different idea. I think Paul referred to the wounds he suffered because of his faith and godly life.

–A.W. Tozer (Men Who Met God, p. 59)

I cringe when people suggest that becoming a follower of Jesus will provide a shield from hurt, pain, and loss. After all, Jesus was nailed to a tree, betrayed by a best friend, and stared death in the eyes. Yes, he triumphed, but he also never went numb. He felt. He sensed. He ached. He cried out.

We will, too.

Sometimes when I invite people to know Jesus I’ll tell them flat out: Becoming a follower of Jesus will not make you skinner, richer, or more powerful. The words are usually met with nervous laughter, because everyone knows that it’s uncomfortably true. I’m grateful for Tozer’s timeless words.

What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about becoming a follower of Jesus?