The Parsis, whose name means “Persians,” are descended from Persian Zoroastrians who emigrated to India to avoid religious persecution. They worship fire as a symbol of god. Sadly, some religions understand one aspect or attribute of God and neglect others. Hence, they do not know the truth. The Bible teaches that God is a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24) Fire indicates God’s presence and work. John the Baptist foretold that Lord Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, which the Lord confirmed too. (Matthew 3:11; Luke 12:49) The Holy Spirit was manifested on the day of Pentecost as fire. (Acts 2:3) The Bible provides six occasions when the sacrifice was accepted by fire.
1) Aaron (Leviticus 9:24): God has brought out Israel out of Egyptian slavery. In the wilderness, the Lord taught Israel to worship. The tabernacle was constructed for the first time, and Aaron performed the sacrifice. God answered with fire.
2) Gideon (Judges 6:21): In the Promised Land, Gideon wondered why God had not delivered His people from the tyranny of Midianites. God commissioned Gideon and answered him by accepting his sacrifice with fire.
3) Manoah (Judges 13:19-23): Manoah and his wife got instructions on how they should bring up their son, who would be born. When they asked the angel to eat, he asked them to offer a burnt offering, which was accepted by the Lord with fire.
4) David (I Chronicles 21:26): King David did a foolish thing by ordering a census, which Joab the commander also forbade him. That resulted in pestilence. David offered a sacrifice and it was accepted by the Lord with fire from heaven.
5) Solomon (II Chronicles 7:1): When Solomon dedicated the Temple at Jerusalem, fire came from the Lord and consumed the burnt and the sacrifices.
6) Elijah (I Kings 18:38): Prophet Elijah as God commanded proved to the backslidden nation that Jehovah is God who answers with fire.
When all the people saw the fire, they fell on their faces. When the work is done according to God’s way it is approved.
Is my life approved and do I worship Him?