Sunday, May 18, 2008

Refiner's Fire

Malachi 3:2-3 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Gold and silver are tried in fire to remove the dross, the impurities. Our faith, as we progress through the light that God is pleased to give us, is made perfect by Christ's refining fire. It is more precious than silver and gold. Let us then look at trials with thanksgiving. In times of trials, I find strength and relief in clinging to God and His promises. Some of those I've encountered appeared so great and yet, I am not consumed. God is faithful in His promise "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore you are not consumed".

I am also inspired to know that when the Refiner purifies gold and silver, He also gets a share of the same heat that purifies these metals. Christ understands and feels what we are going through; and is anxious to get us out of the fire. When the Refiner sees His image perfectly reflected in us, He will get us out of the furnace. We will then be ready, as a spotless bride, waiting for Christ's second coming.

Below is the lyrics of Refiner's Fire. You can get the chords from http://www.higherpraise.com/lyrics1/RefinersFire2.htm I love Passion's version of this song.




Refiner's Fire

Purify my heart
let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart,
let me be as gold, pure gold

CHORUS:
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
is to be holy
set apart for You Lord.
I choose to be holy
set apart for you my master,
ready to do your will.

Purify my heart,
cleanse me from within and make me holy.
Purify my heart,
cleanse me from my sin, deep within.