Malachi 3:3 (NAS)
And
He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of
Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD
offerings in righteousness.
Malachi 3:3 (NRSV)
He
will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the
descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present
offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
The Lord God has made His
abode with you. He lives and dwells in you because He has chosen you for
His very own. However, before He can come to stay and remain with you, He has
had to change you. He makes you worthy to receive His presence.
He, therefore, tests and
purifies you. Like a smelter and goldsmith, Adonai works with you to make
you clean and pure. He has longed for you from the very foundation of the
world; you are as precious to Him as silver. He has brought you into His
family, adopting you as a son. He has made you into a great champion.
He has called you to serve
Him, as the Levites served Him in the tabernacle. Like those priests, you
are privileged to stand in His presence and to offer your sacrifices unto Him.
He has joined you to Himself, bestowing on you His brilliance and His splendor.
You shine like the purest gold and silver, for He has purged you, straining out
every impurity.
So now you can draw near to
Him in confidence. You have an intimate relationship with Jehovah, just like a
Father and son. You, therefore, from your heart of love and gratitude, bring
the Lord gifts and offerings. The tribute you give Him stems from your new
righteous nature--the nature that you received from Him through His grace and
mercy. You are blessed as His son; you
are doubly blessed to be His minister. Rejoice that He has chosen you, trusting
you with both positions!
(Originally
written 8/4/07)
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