A signal fire is meant to be seen.
It’s a beacon made from fire or smoke, usually on the top of a hill or on a raised tower, so that it can be viewed from a distance.
There’s something special about a signal fire. It’s best observed in the darkness. The blacker the night, the better the fire illuminates its surroundings, sending out its message of warning or distress.
Today, in Rome, the College of Cardinals indicates the election of a new Pope by smoke signals. Each time a vote is taken, the paper ballots are burned. Black means a failed ballot, and white reveals the election of a new Pope.
Our spiritual signal fire is released when we’re on our knees. The bleaker our situation; the darker our night; the thicker the ominous clouds of destruction; the better for God to hear our prayers.
Matthew 6:6 assures us that nothing can block our prayers from the view of the almighty God.
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:7 wants us to say what we mean so that our signal fire will burn bright and hot before God.
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”
Luke 11:9 is our promise that God will respond to our signal fire.
“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4 urges us not to forget the people who struggle alongside us. Our signal fire must burn for them, also.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Jeremiah 33:3 tells us our signal fire isn’t in vain, for it brings the answers that we seek.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
What does God see in our signal fires? Trust? Sincerity? Faith? Concern for our fellow man? When we fall to our knees in the darkness of our despair, our urgent and heartfelt prayers burn brightest as they make their way unto him.
God hears our prayers, and his answer is on the way.
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Code: FGO.I.20.17b.vp.esv