Malachi - Part 8 - When Did God Become a Silversmith?

Messages that matter by Dr. Andrew Corbett

After resistance from Israel's Priests, Malachi announced that the Lord “Would come to the Temple” (Mal. 3:1). “The LORD will come” is a warning of His judgment as the proceeding context indicates. In this life, the Lord’s judgment is merciful and redemptive. The Lord will come in Judgment as a Refiner to purify and launderer to wash clean (Mal. 3:2). Refining silver is a very tedious process (Mal. 3:3). The Silversmith would refine silver by separating it from the other mined metals. The Silversmith would use the varying heat of the furnace to separate: lead, copper, gold. The Silversmith would use the varying heat of the furnace to separate: lead, copper, gold: lead melts at 327.5°C; silver melts at 932°C; gold melts at 1064°C; copper melts at 1085°C. This is similar to - First Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." The Silversmith would remove the dross and separate the silver when the silver reached its melting point it would turn white. When the silver turns white, it absorbs light and becomes highly reflective. It is as we look into the face of Christ that we are transformed into the likeness of Christ. The Lord still refines and purifies His people through adversities (Isa. 48:10 “afflictions”). Malachi 3:3, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD." God’s judgment always reveals His heart! What we learn from this Malachi Passage: - Recognise that the Silversmith knows when the silver is purified when He can see His face in the refined silver!