Plumes of Smoke!

It was just a week ago that I returned from a trip to Nicaragua.  As the team and I traveled the countryside, I couldn’t help but note that three of the four volcanoes that we passed had smoke coming from their peaks. It’s a pretty awesome and yet sobering sight. In fact, the country of Nicaragua is called “The land of lakes and volcanoes.” And, for good reason. Some say that the country now has 19 active volcanoes.  And, it’s not beyond the possibility that anyone of them will erupt at some time. I just don’t want to be there when that happens! 

Of course, the smoke coming from the peak of a volcano is a sign that, that particular volcano is alive. It’s a sign of the fact that there is yet activity and energy taking place deep within it—an energy that at some point in time may reveal itself in a an even greater form than just plumes of smoke. The potential is there for a burst of energy that will lead to the spewing of rock and ash, and the flow of lava.  A volcanic eruption can be extremely destructive (as we saw recently in the Philippines). On the other hand, it has been the eruption of volcanoes that has produced the rich soil that makes places like Nicaragua so fertile.

Momotombo - the monster volcano!

As I think about those smoking volcanoes, I wonder what signs of life there might be coming from your life and mine.  Are there any plumes of smoke that give evidence to the life of Christ within us? Do we understand that, as followers of Jesus, we hold within ourselves the potential for an eruption of some sort—an eruption of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (i.e. the fruit of the Spirit—Galatians 5:22-23). Do we know that we hold within ourselves the possibility that our lives can spill over with the life-giving work of God’s Spirit?

In Romans 7 and 8, the Apostle Paul speaks about the weakness of our flesh. He reminds us that, left to ourselves our lives naturally spill over with sin—things we know we ought not do; those things that harm others and destroy our relationship with God.  But, when we give our lives through faith to Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God comes into us and begins to create in us new life. Thus, he writes, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”  (Romans 8:11 – NIV)

If only we would realize the incredible potential that Christ has placed within each of us as his followers! After all, he has placed within us his abundant and eternal life. And, it is his desire that his life should flow through us like “rivers of living water” to bring life to all that is around us!  

Let’s ask ourselves today, are there any plumes of smoke that give evidence to the fact that you and I have received the life of Christ?

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris