"And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver." Malachi 3:3
A Christian is not to think it strange if he is called upon to suffer great trials and difficulties in this life. For the "refiner's fire" is sent to make faith stronger and purer by its heat. For every sanctified tear shed here in the furnace of affliction, there will be a jewel over there in the glory world (see Romans 8:18). The rewards of Heaven will more than compensate for the "fiery trials."
The refiner of old sat at his work, for it was of such a delicate and skilled nature that it was necessary for him to be close to his crucible so that he might intently watch the process. Neither too little or nor too much heat must be applied. The dross had to be removed at the precise moment when it could best be done without hurting or losing any of the precious metal. So, too, every Christian must endure some suffering according to the will of God if the dross of sin and self is to be purged away. These experiences are not pleasant to the flesh, but we may be assured that God loves us too much to give us a bit more pain than is actually needed. He sits close by so that He may direct every minute detail of our spiritual cleansing.
The alchemist of old knew when his gold was pure by the fact that he could see his image mirrored in it. In the same manner, only when Christ is formed in us by grace, and we reflect His glory, may the furnace of affliction be left behind.
May our prayer be, "O refining fire, go through my life and purge it of all that would hinder a perfect reflection of my Savior!"
"Bread For Each Day"
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