Not every fire comes from God.
There are flames that entice with their beauty, captivate and draw hearts into deception. The enemy often disguises destruction as passion, darkness as enlightenment, and bondage as freedom. Like a raging wildfire, the works of darkness seek to devour everything in their path, consuming peace, truth, purity, and hope.
In scripture, we see the contrast battle between strange fire and holy fire. Strange fire is born from rebellion, pride, self-exaltation, and counterfeit power. It promises much but leaves devastation in its wake. Its flames dance yet their purpose is always destruction.
But there is One greater than every counterfeit flame.
Yeshua our Messiah came to destroy the works of the devil. He stepped into a world darkened by sin and deception and revealed the All-Consuming Fire of God that exposes darkness. His truth silences lies. His power breaks chains. What the enemy kindles for destruction, Christ overcomes by His victorious Presence.
The Fire of God does not consume to destroy His children—it consumes to purify, refine, heal, and restore. His holy fire burns away the dross, exposes hidden things, and brings forth the beauty of Christ within us. Every strange fire must bow before the authority of King Jesus.
We are called to discern the difference between the Fire of God and the fires of deception. We are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. Therefore, we must stand clothed in the full armor of God, rooted in His Word, led by His Spirit, and anchored in His Truth.
When the flames of adversity rise, stand firm. When deception seeks to lure, stand firm. When spiritual battles intensify, stand firm.
For the victory has already been won at the Cross.
“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
Stand and stand again.
For the Fire of God is greater than every strange fire. Yeshua is His Name.!
The phrase “strange fire” is in Leviticus 10:1-2:
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” (NKJV)
What Was “Strange Fire”?
The Hebrew phrase is ‘esh zarah’ meaning:
Unauthorized fire
Foreign fire
Profane or unholy fire
Worship not commanded by God
Nadab and Abihu were priests, yet they approached God in a manner He had not prescribed. The issue was not merely the fire itself but their disobedience and presumption in worship.
Strange fire is commonly associate with…
Unauthorized Worship
Approaching God according to human ideas rather than His instructions.
Mixture and Compromise
Blending holy worship with worldly or pagan practices.
Pride and Self-Will
Operating in ministry apart from God’s leading and authority.
Counterfeit Spiritual Power
Seeking spiritual manifestations that do not originate from the Holy Spirit.
Holy Fire is God’s Fire!
Aaron’s sacrifice consumed by God’s fire – Leviticus 9:24
Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel – 1 Kings 18:38
The burning bush – Exodus 3:2
Tongues of fire at Pentecost – Acts 2:3-4
Holy Fire originates from God. Strange fire originates from man, flesh, or another source.
The term “strange fire” is not used in the New Testament, believers are repeatedly warned about:
False prophets (Matthew 7:15)
False spirits (1 John 4:1)
Another gospel (Galatians 1:8)
Counterfeit signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9)
The call is always for discernment and obedience to Christ.
The lesson of Nadab and Abihu is not merely about judgment but about the Holiness of God. The Lord desires worship that flows from obedience, reverence, and a surrendered heart. He seeks for those who will worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Strange fire seeks attention.
Holy Fire is God’s Glory!
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:29
Denise Sylvia Bruning
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