This chapter contains more prophecy of destruction. Despite the strong tone, there is still a glimmer of hope, encouraging the people to repent.
“O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth, and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. ‘I have made you a tester of metals among my people, that you may know and test their ways. They are all stubbornly rebellious, going about with slanders; they are bronze and iron; all of them act corruptly. The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed by the fire; in vain the refining goes on, for the wicked are not removed. Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them.’ ” (v26-30)
We, just like God’s ancient followers, are ‘refined’ over time. Multiple passages in the Bible refer to refining, indicating that we are works in progress over a long period of time (our entire lives, actually).
Even those who choose not to follow God are refined throughout their lives. The main difference between God’s followers, and those who follow the sinful flesh, is the end result of the refining process. God’s followers are likened to precious metals, and those who choose worldly paths are compared to common, less valuable metals.
Let’s partner with the Holy Spirit to be refined into the most beautiful people we can become. Not necessarily seeking outward beauty (which I’ll never attain, haha), but striving to be precious in the spiritual sense, having hearts of pure gold and fine silver.
Father God, our Creator and Refiner, You lead and teach us flawlessly. May we seek your voice daily, and humble ourselves in accordance with Your leading, so we may be refined well in the fires of life. May we become more precious over time, allowing Your masterful craftsmanship to be seen amidst the entire earth. May our hearts of precious metals reflect Your glory, and honor our Creator, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training