Gold Nugget
Verse 3: "The
refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the
hearts."
Commentary
The testing or trying of silver and gold are
known to be performed by the introduction of heat. In order to purify these precious commodities
they must endure the fire. It is the natural order of things and is by God's
design. Today's "gold nugget" assumes that we have accepted these
facts concerning the purification of these elements and are now ready to grasp
a more important lesson and yet consistent in order as these. "The refining
pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the
hearts." Although we live in a microwave society, that is to say, we
have found shortcuts to many of our wishes, the purifying of the heart and soul
of a man can only be accomplished through the fire as well. The fire is not
that of the refining pot or furnace as is silver and gold, but of the refining
fire of the Lord. Consider 1 Peter 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:" Jesus is the refining fire
that burns away the impurites and preserves the purity. There is only one way
to be pure and that is to endure the flame. Our society has taught us to hide,
mask or medicate any pain, but it is by His design that we endure these to
become who we should be. The basic concept of "No pain, no gain"
applies here. Consider also these powerful words from Malachi 3 “Behold, I
send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom
you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant,
in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts. 2 “But who
can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is
like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and
a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold
and silver, that they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.
Prayer
Lord, I may
be tempted to misdirect the purpose or opportunity for growth with my fiery
trials and situations. Help me to remember that every trial is also an opportunity
for growth should I allow it. Also remind me that I can't have a victory
without first having a battle. Amen
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