There’s not much left up there to burn. I wonder how it began? Tuesdays are my work days and I’ve been sitting in front of my computer for most of the morning. As I rested my eyes, by looking out towards the mountain, my heart sank….a ribbon of smoke ascended into the sky. I grabbed my binoculars and had a look. I couldn’t see anyone around where it started. I wonder if someone started it or if it was a few smouldering embers that heated sufficiently enough on this cool Cape Town day to ignite. ..
It quickly spread up what must have been a line of trees. Watching through my binoculars, I saw a white bakkie driving along the top road towards it. It assessed the situation, then turned around and returned. The flames looked quite big, swallowing up any dry bush somehow missed a week ago…
The fire service must know there’s not much too burn up there. A helicopter flew over and then a fire engine wailed its way to the area. It seems to be burning itself out, with the wind conveniently blowing it upwards instead of towards any remaining forest. Through my binocs, I can now see that the white bakkie is back and the flames are no longer visible. In fact there are a few vehicles up there and it is all but out. Pretty much no harm done, but I still wonder how it started. There are rumours that some of these fires have been started by arsonists. Others suggest they have been started by carelessly discarded cigarette stompies.
Whatever the cause, Chapman’s Peak is just about burnt over, so the chances of another destructive fire up there is not likely.
The Bible has many, many references to fire. The one that I came across recently is from Proverbs 6:27
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?
You have to love the way that Solomon warned people against wrong doing. In this verse he was warning against adultery.
If you scoop fire into your lap, you will get burned. If you commit adultery, you will be harmed.
No good comes out of it. Like today’s little fire, it’s best to put it out before it gets too destructive.
The Bible is the handbook for abundant life. The laws that we are given to obey, the bad behaviour we are cautioned against, are all written for our own good.
It’s not always easy, but it’s true.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga