Refined by Fire

Malachi 3-4; Psalms 148; Acts 5

“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. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver…”

Malachi 3:2, 3

Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. The tongues of fire that rested on the 120 disciples in the Upper Room at Pentecost represented the sanctifying, purifying work of the Holy Spirit. Ananias and Sapphira’s hearts were quickly exposed by this intense refining fire. In the presence of the Lord, we are convicted of sin and given the opportunity to repent. The “launderer’s soap” is purifying a bride for her Bridegroom as we await the return of Christ. Like John the Baptist, we, too, are announcing the coming of the Lord. We, too, are making ourselves ready as a bride without blemish, spot, or wrinkle. We enter the cleansing, convicting presence of the Lord now, so we can stand at his appearing later.

“Lord Jesus, refine my heart and purify my love for you this day, for your glory.”