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.
There are various methods and techniques to purify gold and silver. These methodologies use acid, fire, or electricity to separate the impurities from gold or silver. The fire step is to refine gold before it can be made into bars, jewelry or coins.
Metaphorically, purging, plucking and pruning purifies the soul to make us purposeful and useful. Purging is a process of removing or getting rid of something. Purging is a voluntary act of relinquishing habits, interests and cravings whereas plucking is when something is snatched away. Purging is the process of surrender but plucking is a forceful submission. “Humble yourself, or life will do it for you.” Humbling purges the soul, humiliation plucks away the impurities and pruning severs the toxic relationships. The process of purification ultimately builds resolute resilience to bounce back and accomplish our purpose.
Samson was called and anointed for a purpose however, power, position and popularity made him proud and promiscuous. Misuse of influence will hurt others around us and will destroy the person. Abuse of power will derogate the God-given gift; defame His name and desecrate the calling. Samson was steeped in sin that he did not even realize that the supernatural strength (gift) and anointing had left him. He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza (Judges 16:20-21). The enemies thought that they had destroyed Samson but the Lord God did not give up on Samson. Humiliation realigned soul and spirit. He was put through purging, plucking and pruning and power returned back to him one more time (Judges 16:28). In the mortifying prison the Lord purged his heart and pruned his pride. Samson was plucked away from the lap of the prostitute and his eyes were gouged out. Purging, pruning, plucking and persecution redeemed Samson and enlisted him among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
Purification – the pathway for Resolute Resilience:
1. Purge: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10) should be our prayer every day. Purging is a daily and a continuous process of purification.
2. Pluck: The entertainments and engagements that we are unable to purge, the Lord God will pluck away from us. Plucking is a very painful process but short term pain is long term gain. Praise God through the painful process of plucking.
3. Prune: Relationships and friendships that distract us from our purpose must be pruned. “Some people will better your life by being in it, while others will better it by staying out.”
The process of purification is the pathway for resolute resilience.
Zachariah 13:9 I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them.
Prayer: Father God, purge me and prune me and pluck away unhealthy relationships or habits that infect my soul. Amen.
Leave a Reply