“Before Him went pestilence, And fever followed at His feet” (Hab. 3:5 NKJ).
This verse links the ministry of the Word and the ministry of the Spirit. Pestilence can be traced back to the Hebrew root word dabar (daw-bar’) used figuratively to refer to the Word of God.
In the LXX or Greek Old Testament this verse reads, “Before Him went the logos” (the Word). In the King James Version this word fever is rendered burning coals. The Hebrew indicates they are the result of fire or being inflamed.
This verse assures us that if we will take the Word of God with us and make it known everywhere, the Lord will back up that Word with the fire of the Holy Spirit. In Mark 16:20 we read that the disciples went everywhere preaching and proclaiming the Word of God, and the Lord worked with them…confirming the word with signs following.
The pattern is very clear. The Word goes first, then the Holy Spirit has material to work on. Acts 10:44 tells us that while Peter spoke the Word, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard it. Later Peter declared, “We are preaching the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven” (1 Pet. 1:12).
My witness needed a lot of improvement. Then I discovered in Habbakuk 3:5 that the Word comes first, the fire follows after. I reversed the order of my presentation and began simply giving the people the Word of God.
The Holy Spirit authenticated and confirmed the Word preached with the supernatural evidences I had always desired to see. Before Him goes the logos (or Word). After Him comes the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.