Malachi 3:3 says: He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.

 

This verse puzzled some women in the Townline Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

 

One of the women, Clare Saffetz, offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, Clare 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.

Once at his shop, she watched the silversmith, who not so ironically went by the name of Smitty, hold a piece of silver over the fire, letting 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 to burn away all the impurities.

Clare thought about God holding us in such a hot spot. She thought about ridding herself of impurities, then she thought again about the verse that says: He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. Clare asked Smitty,

 

"Is it true that you have to sit in front of the fire the whole time the silver is being refined?"

 

Smitty replied without hesitation. 

 

"Yes. Not only do I sit throughout the entire process, but I also have to keep my eyes on the silver constantly. If the silver is left a moment too long in flames, it will be destroyed."

Clare was silent for a moment. Then she asked,

 

"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."

 

Clare thanked Smitty for helping her understand the finer points of fine metals and the finer points of purity for her own soul.

 

She dutifully reported back to the Townline women who were amazed at the Bible lesson she shared:

When you feel like you're under fire, remember that God is constantly watching your refinement in times of your troubles. The ultimate Master Craftsman has an eye on you and will keep watching until God sees a divine reflection emanate from an evolving soul.