“He shall sit as a Refiner.”–Malachi 3:3.

Simple is the process of refining. Its purpose is clear. It purifies from dross the ore submitted to its test. A furnace is prepared. The metal is placed within. Fire is strongly applied. The action of the overpowering heat produces liquefaction. The worthless parts, which before were intermixed, are thus separated. Impurity is disentangled. The Refiner gains his object. He has parted the precious from the vile. Unadulterated ore remains.

This process is a mirror to show Christ. It is a page of Gospel-lessons. May it be our special joy to mark and learn with profit!

To infer that Christ is here exhibited is no conceit of vain imagination, no dream of fancy. It is the sound conclusion from clear Scriptures. The Spirit speaks to us in the sacred page. In it we read, “He is like a Refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.” And again, “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.” (Mal. 3:2, 3.) Can this be other than the Lord? To Him Isaiah pointedly refers, “I will turn My hand upon you, and purely purge away your dross, and take away all your tin.” (Isa. 1:25.) Faith hears, and gladly receives Christ Jesus as the Refiner. To Him and to His work attention is now sought.

Let it be noticed that the Refiner places valuable metal in his melting forge. Believers are marked by this similitude. “The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!” (Lam. 4:2.) “I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried–they shall call on My name, and I will hear them–I will say, it is My people; and they shall say, The Lord is my God.” (Zech. 13:9.) Job testifies, “When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10.) How grand, too, is the assurance, “Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable, and I have loved you.” (Isa. 43:4.) Believer, realize the comfort! As gold is valued upon earth, and counted as most precious treasure, so Jesus esteems you as His riches, and ranks you as of inestimable price.

Henry Law

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