Jesus said, "Whoever is near me is near the fire, and whoever is far from me is far from the (Father's) domain." (82 Thomas)

Fire attracts. The warmth of a winter fire, the dancing flame of a campfire, the soft glow of candlelight draw us close.

Fire threatens. Last evening 72 homes in Paradise, California were engulfed in flames.

The reign of God both attracts and threatens. The attraction is final fulfillment. The threat is to be totally consumed.

In the life of Jesus we encounter one totally consumed, yet he is also a distinctive personality and free to choose.

Perhaps in this instance our fear of fire is misplaced.