“But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver” (Malachi 3:2-3).
Back in the day, the refiner’s job was to burn away the impurities found in silver and gold. The refiner would take the ore or the silver and gold and burn it in the fire. The fire would burn away the impurities. The refining process was complete when the refiner was able to see his face reflecting back at him.
God’s word is like the refiner’s fire. God uses his word to burn away all impurities. When we are refined by God’s word, God’s holiness, God’s truth, we too will reflect God’s character in our lives.
Because we are repeat sinners, before God’s word builds up and encourages the saints, God’s word corrects and rebukes us. That’s what the burning and refining process is. It starts with confession and repentance. And as the refiner continues his work of burning away our impurities, will God’s word move to build up and shape his children.
So, Christian, do you find yourself daily confessing and repenting? If we do not start there, the Christian life goes nowhere.
Praxis: Faith in Action 