The other day we had friends over for dinner and as I was grilling on the barbecue I noticed the flames burn brighter and jump higher when the breeze blew on the coals. Blacksmiths and others who work fires, use bellows to increase the intensity of the fire. In scientific terms fire is the visible effect of the process of combustion – a special type of chemical reaction. It occurs between oxygen in the air and some sort of fuel. We know that fire needs fuel to burn, but oxygen is just as necessary!
Now you say ‘how does that apply to my life?’ Malachi 3:3 tells us “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.” God is at work purifying and sanctifying our lives and we need to be those who are willing to go through this process!
I believe we can be likened to the fuel in a fire. Our sin and our flesh need to be consumed by God’s sanctifying presence. The gold and silver can be likened to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 says “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
Paul make’s it clear that “gold, silver, precious stones” are quality materials, fit for construction on the foundation of Christ crucified. These materials are worthy of that foundation and fit to endure fire. Conversely, “wood, hay, straw” are inferior materials, unfit for construction on the foundation Paul laid because they are not “fireproof.”
The oxygen can be likened to our cooperation and willingness to be obedient to God. I remember a number of years ago I was preaching in a Church in Lagrange Kentucky. I was preaching and then I stopped. I just sensed God was doing something and I was unable to speak. At that point the power of the Holy Spirit fell on the Pastor and he was taken into a heavenly visitation. The whole place was filled with the electric presence of God. We could all feel God’s glory fill the atmosphere. The fire of God is given oxygen when we are obedient and allow Him to move.
God’s fire is being poured out over the Church, and it burns brighter and stronger where there is more oxygen! Malachi 3:3 tells us “God sits as a refiner and purifier” This means God is watching over His Church and over our lives. He wants to see our lives purified and transformed. You may be wondering today why you have been through so much fire, let me tell you God is at work purifying you!
James 1:2-4 tells us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I want to encourage you to persevere. Hang in there! Keep your heart soft. Give God’s fire some oxygen! Continue to obey God and keep a good attitude in spite of the trials you face! God is watching over you! He’s producing pure gold in your life!
