TODAY’S WORD…

He will act like a refiner and a purifier of silver.

– Malachi 3:3

REFLECTION…

The reflection on today’s verse comes in the form of a short story:

During a Bible Study on the Book of Malachi, a couple came across the verse, which says: “He will act like a refiner and a purifier of silver…” They reflected and wondered what this statement really meant regarding the character and nature of God. So they decided to find out more about the process of refining silver.

The couple called upon a silversmith and expressed an interest in his craft and he gladly invited them to see for themselves. They watched the silversmith as he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. The silversmith explained that when refining silver, he had to hold the silver in the middle of the fire – where the flames are hottest – so as to burn away all impurities.

The couple looked at one another realising what they were both thinking of: that God, like the silversmith, would sometimes hold us in such a hot spot.

The silversmith went on to explain that he would sit there in front of the fire and keep his eyes on the silver for the whole time it was being refined, because if the silver was left for even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The couple went silent for a moment, then asked “How do you know when the silver has been fully purified?” The silversmith smiled at them and answered, “Oh, that’s the easy part – it’s when I can see my image reflected in it.”

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God always has His eyes on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you …until He sees His image…in you.

PRAYER…

O Living God, Consuming Fire, purify me!

Purify my heart, my mind, my soul,

from all that is not from You.

I surrender myself to You, Lord,

take my life into Your hands;

let Your refining fire burn;

and remove my many impurities.

Make me more like You, O Lord, make me more like You.