Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Tested By Fire
In Daniel 3 we find the story of The Image of Gold and the Fiery Furnace in which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego endure their trial by fire and are accompanied by an angel of God. Later in Daniel 12:10 we are reminded that . . . Many shall be refined, purified, and tested, but the wicked shall be proven wicked, none of them shall have understanding, but the wise shall have it.
In 1 Peter 1:6-7 the Apostle tells us that . . . Now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The prophet Malachi reminds us that God will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, to purify and refine us like gold and silver. (Malachi 3:3)
In the story of Exodus (3:2), the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.
With God as the refiner who watches over us, we need not fear. With Christ as our brother who defends us, we understand that we will not perish. With the Spirit who heals and comforts us, we are reborn to rise from the ash of our sorrow, refined by the fire that does not consume. This is a prophecy we might take as our own.
For more reflections on the words of this prophet, enter the word Daniel into the blog search bar and explore.
Image from: http://spotlightphilippines.com/2013/04/06/tested-in-fire-and-embraced-by-light/
The Noontimes 