LIFE QUEST - POINT OF VIEW
SILVER REFINING
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Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures,
and make them the subject of conversation. 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 lady's opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the
sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit
a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject. She went
accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know
the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.
"But Sir" she said, "do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"
Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eye steadily
fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded
in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He
shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Christ sees it needful to
put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work
of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner
for them. Their trials do not come at random; "the very hairs of your
head are all numbered."
As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and
said he had still further to mention, that he only knows when the process
of purifying was complete, by seeing his own image reflected in the
silver.
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Life Quest Commentary
I thought this was a particularly good illustration of how our Heavenly Father watches over us, refines us like silver, and conforms us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. The question we need to ask ourselves is, "How perfect is the image of Christ that is reflected from our mirror (from our lives)?"
Perhaps our mirrors need to have some flaws removed or need to be cleaned up somewhat so that the true image of Christ's light in us can shine forth, without distortion, for the whole world to see! If so, why not ask god to show you and help you to change and remove those imperfections?
For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
"Do you understand that you can't remove all your blemishes and sins by yourself? But we have a Savior - Jesus took your place? He died on the cross, taking the penalty for our sins upon Himself, so that we could receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
If you have understood that Jesus died in your place to take away your sins and have already received His gift of eternal life, Praise the Lord!!
If not, why not receive Jesus as your Savior right now?
We encourage you to refer to the LIFEQUEST "Food for Thought" topics of Salvation and Gospel which will further explain what He has done for you, how much God loves you and show you how to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
God bless you as you walk with Him and serve Him.
May your mirror be shiny and bright!
