“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.”
(Malachi 3:3)
In Malachi 3:3 we’re reminded of the refining process God takes us through to cleanse us from sin and bring us closer to Him. Just as gold must pass through fire to be purified, we too must experience trials and afflictions so that we may become vessels of righteousness. This refining is a means God uses to bring us back to Christ, to restore us and shape us into His image.[1]
To that end, God’s eyes are always on His children. He knows our wanderings and our sins, and in His mercy He orchestrates people and circumstances to bring us back to Him. He may choose to do so through ministers, afflictions, or even the consequences of our actions. Sometimes all it takes is a word from the Lord through another person to pierce our heart and expose our sin—as Nathan did with David—in order to bring us to repentance.
When God uses affliction to draw us back to Himself, Psalm 89:30-33 reminds us that God’s discipline is a rod of correction, not to punish but to restore. The master refiner knows exactly how much heat is necessary to bring us to repentance in order that we may once again reflect His holiness. So He watches over us as a refiner watches over silver, to the point where we are transformed into a reflection of His glory.
Sometimes the very things that led us astray become the means God uses to restores us. He may shatter our idols before our eyes or leave them as thorns in our side to remind us of our dependence on Him. The pain of realizing our folly leads to repentance, a changed heart, and a renewed commitment to live for Him. Like the prodigal son who returned to his father’s arms, we find that God’s mercy is always waiting for us, no matter how far we have strayed.
God also uses His Spirit to convict us. As with Peter, one look from the Lord is often enough to bring conviction, repentance, and restoration. The light of Christ shining into the darkest recesses of our hearts can effectively convict us to the point where we seek forgiveness. In those moments, we cry out as David did, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation,” (Psalm 51:12).
For all these reasons, God’s refining fire is not something we should fear, because it strips away the sins, the distractions, and the idols that pull us away from Him. And afterward we emerge with a deeper love for our Lord and a greater hatred for sin. This experience fills us with gratitude and humility such that we no longer trust in our own strength but rather rely fully on the grace and mercy of our God. For the soul that has been through the refining fire understands the sweetness of God’s love and the depth of His mercy. Such a soul will never cease to praise the God who refines and restores.
Contemplations:
- The Refiner’s Fire: As I reflect on Malachi 3:3, I realize the trials I face are not without purpose. God allows me to go through these fires in order to purify me by removing the sin and distractions that keep me from Him. He is the master refiner, watching carefully to ensure that the fire does its work but does not destroy me. So I know I can trust that through this process I will come out as gold, able to reflect more of His glory.
- Affliction as Mercy: When I experience affliction, it’s easy to think that God is far from me. But I understand that during these times He’s closer than ever. Affliction is a tool He uses to draw me back to Himself, and the discomfort I feel is designed to lead me to repentance and restoration. This allows me to endure trials with hope, knowing that God’s love is behind each one, guiding me back to Him.
- The Idols in My Life: There are times when I allow other things—idols—to take the place of God in my heart. Whether it’s ambition, comfort, or something else, I let these things draw me away from Him. But God, in His mercy, shatters those idols or allows them to become thorns in my side so that the very things I once pursued now cause me pain and remind me of my need for Him. Through this I come to realize that His love and faithfulness are keeping me from spiritual idolatry.
- Restoration Through His Spirit: I’m reminded of how Peter wept bitterly after denying Christ. One look from Jesus was enough to bring him to repentance. In the same way, when God turns His face toward me, revealing my sin and calling me to return by His Spirit at work in my heart, I am convicted and drawn back to His presence. I cry out for His forgiveness, and He restores the joy of my salvation.
Further References for Malachi 3:3:
Isa. 1:25; Zech. 13:9; Isa. 48:10; 1 Peter 1:7; Psalm 66:10
[1] John Stanford, The Christian’s Pocket Library, (New York: Printed for the editor, by T. & J. Swords, 1796), 273.
