One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it" " [original author unknown] -StephanieMalachi 3:3 "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
Stephanie,
Researching twitter I found a link to your blog. I am new at this, brand new. But I was looking for Christian blogs. Reading this blog about "silver" blessed me greatly. You see, the reason why I am starting blogs and twitter and all that stuff is because the Lord has led me to understand that the idea of persecution, affliction, and tribulation in the church has long been left on the side line. What I have been led to believe about this subject can almost be summed up by your blog. Wow! I wish I could say my blog and web site was up now so I could ask you to join, maybe soon. Mean while, the Lord is leading me to write a commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, a new, baby church that underwent intense persecution just weeks after coming into existence. Extensive slander, pubic humiliation, physical abuse, property damage, and even death, were all part of the affliction. Yet in 1 Thessalonians, we find these verses in chap. 5, verse 16, "rejoice always", and verse 18, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". At first I thought maybe God had these verses put in the wrong book of the Bible. But no, Gods' response to me was very clear, this is where these verses belong.
I do not know if you read your comments, but if you do, I want to say, keep up the good work, and let us help America, and all Christians, to know that persecution, affliction and tribulation are common and normal in the Christian life. If you have time, you can email me at brifg1@gmail.com By for now and God bless.
Brian Pace
Brian,
How wonderful it was to receive your comment. I must say I did not write this blog, I thought I had cited it, but I will send you a link through email of the original source. Either way I am so glad you were blessed through this blog entry. Funny enough I am currently reading 1 Thessilonians and will be thrilled to read your blog. My email is sgfontin@gmail.com if you would like to email me when you get it started. Continue with your passion to boldly speak on issues many Christians shy away from, the Lord will certainly reward you. Blessings.
Stephanie