The Story of the Silversmith

The story of the Silversmith: “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver” (Mal. 3:3). This puzzled a Bible study group. One of the members offered to learn about the process of refining silver and inform them at their next study. He visited a silversmith and watched him at work. He watched the silversmith hold a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. The silversmith explained that in refining silver, you must hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities. The member then thought about God holding us where the flames are the hottest to burn away our impurities. Then he thought again about the verse. “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” He asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire and watch the process at all times.

The silversmith answered that not only did he have to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was tested in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. You must leave it long enough to serve the purpose, but not too long as it would destroy it. The member was silent for a moment. Then asked the silversmith, “How do you know when silver is fully refined?” He smiled and answered, “Oh, that’s easy — when I see my image in it.” (Author Unknown).

The silversmith knows just how long to keep the silver over the fire. He does not keep it over the fire too long or too short, but he knows when it is just right to purify it.” Christian, when you are over the heat, just remember that God has His eyes on you. He knows when you have had enough and you been refined and purified. His timing will always be just right.

When you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and He will “sit as a refiner and purifier” keeping watch until He sees His image in you. God is intimately aware of your needs and limits. He also knows just when you have had enough. At the right time He will remove you from the fire. The results will be at the right time. In due season you shall reap (Gal. 6:9). As Job, trust God, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). When you are over the flames, trust Him. The results will be for your good and His glory (Rom.8:28). Whose image is on you? (Matt. 22:20). Others can also see the image of the Lord on your life (Acts 4:13). Can the Lord and others see His image in your life?