THE SILVERSMITH

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the
scriptures.  While reading the third chapter of
Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression 
in the third verse:  "And He shall sit as a refiner and
purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).

One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and
report to the others on what he said about the
subject.  She went accordingly, and without 
telling him the reason for her visit, begged the 
silversmith to tell her about the process of 
refining silver.  After he had fully described
it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the
work of refining is going one?"

"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must
sit and watch furnace constantly, for, if the time
necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest 
degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the
expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of 
silver."

God sees it necessary to put His children into the
furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work 
of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both
engaged in the best manner for us.  Our trials do
not come at random, and He will not let us be 
tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question,
"How do you know when the process is complete?"

"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When 
I can see my own image in the silver, the refining 
process finished."

                        * - * - *

"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.  "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 launderer's soap.  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.

Malachi 3:1-3