CHRIST, OUR REFINER

CHRIST, OUR REFINER

Have you ever wondered whether there is purpose in the pressure of your personal tests and trials?  Well, carefully consider this story: Some time ago, a group of women met in a certain city to study the scriptures, and to follow up with thought provoking discussion.  While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

One woman’s opinion was that this verse intended to convey the concept of the sanctifying power of Jesus Christ.  She proposed to visit a silversmith and to report to her classmates what he would have to say.  Accordingly she visited the silversmith, and without divulging the object of her errand she inquired about the process of refining silver, which he described in detail to her.

“Sir,” she asked, “do you sit here all the while during the process of refining?”

“Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith with conviction.  “I must sit here vigilantly and keep my eyes steadily focused on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded by even the slightest degree, the silver is surely injured.”

The woman at once saw the beauty and comfort of Prophet Malachi’s expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”  While Christ finds it necessary to allow His children to experience the furnace, He does it for our ultimate good, and His eye is steadily intent on the gracious work of purifying us.  During that sanctifying process, His wisdom and love are fully engaged for the best possible results in the lives of His children.  Therefore, your trials do not come at random or without purpose, for in the words of Jesus Christ, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Luke 12:7) 

As the inquiring woman departed that shop, the silversmith called her back and said he had something more that was extremely important mention.  He said, “The silversmith only knows that the process of purification is complete when he sees his own image clearly reflected in the silver.”  The woman smiled knowingly.

“What a beautiful illustration!” she thought.  When Christ sees His own image reflected and shining brightly in His people, the sanctifying work of The Holy Spirit will surely have been accomplished, by the grace and mercy of God.

The Apostle Paul confirms the sovereignty of God and the safety of the children who are in His hands as they pass through The Refiner’s fire.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)  May you experience the matchless grace and abundant peace of a life that fully trusts in Him.