+DEV+ The Refiner's Fire

Date: February 19, 2012 9:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Refiner's Fire

The Refiner's Fire

"'Is not my word like fire,' declares the LORD, 'and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?'" (Jeremiah 23:29)
"For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Scripture Focus: Malachi 3:2-3

Someone once described to me the process of refining gold. The gold is subjected to a very hot fire until it melts. This causes imbedded impurities to separate and rise to the surface. The dross can then be skimmed off, allowing the worker to see his reflection on the surface of the pure, precious metal.

God desires to prepare a people for Himself (Zechariah 13:9). But first, the Master Refiner must remove our dead hearts of stone and replace them with living hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). We need the holy fire of God's Word to melt our stony hearts and burn away the dross of sin and impurity. Christ died to cleanse and redeem even the vilest of hearts. He alone has the power and authority to forgive sin and free the captive from its power.

Once the refining fire of God's Word softens the heart, He then hammers and shapes it, forging something glorious for His holy use. He is preparing for Himself a spotless bride that will reflect His glory (Ephesians 5:25b-27).

Insight: Are You Yielding Yourself To The Fire And Hammer Of God's Word So That His Glory Can Be Reflected In Your Life?