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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Refined like gold” Gold is refined to skim off impurities and make it pure. The refining represents God’s judgment to remove impure elements from among His people. We shall reflect on the fact that we must remain righteous and obedient to God’s Word so that on the day of refinement, we shall be separated from all impurities and be presented pure as gold.

Beloved in the Lord, we are told that God’s judgment or refinement will begin from the Levites or the priests who were the custodians of the Temple worship and the intermediaries between God and the people. The Levites, or priests, were tasked with religious duties and service to the tabernacle and later the temple. They played an important role in the spiritual lives of the Israelites. However, they have become corrupt and turned away from God. God exposed them when He said to the priests, “When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 1:8) Again, God said to them, “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. 8 But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty. 9 “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law (Malachi 2:7-9). As part of God restoring His covenant relationship with His people and reviving their spiritual lives, His judgment or process of refinement will begin from the religious leaders or priests. God said, “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years. (Malachi 3:2-4) This is a clarion call and warning to Christian leaders to remain faithful to their calling. God will bring his judgment on us if we disobey Him and lead His people astray. James tells us that “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1). Again, Peter cautions us that “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17) If we want to maintain our purity like gold during the day of refining or judgement, then we must heed the admonishment of Paul when He wrote  “…I urge you.. in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

In summary, we have discovered we shall incur the wrath or refinery of God when we become impure, corrupt and disobedient Christian leaders and believers. Judgement will surely come, but we are expected to be refined as pure gold that is pleasing and worthy of serving God. Shalom.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit empower us to remain pure as gold during the process of refinery. May our lives be dedicated to the service of God. Amen.