Firing bricks

To complete the brick making process, the clay blocks have to be fired. Here Philip is at work making the "firing stacks."



Brother Lawrence describes the Kenyan method of firing:
The bricks are arranged in such a way that there is a space left between the bricks at the bottom of the stack. This space is used for firewood.

A fire is lit when the stack is well arranged and covered with mud. The bricks bake to a reddish color and are very durable.

And I believe there is a parallel lesson in the making of our lives. We are only "earthen vessels" after all, but the Master knows just how to make our lives useful and durable for His purposes. He buries us so that He might burn us out.

Here is the description of one who had experienced it: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:7) Those fiery trials don't feel like praise and honor and glory - they are steaming hot! But by believing we are promised a beautiful result. And that is something to rejoice about, isn't it?