"He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness." (Mal. 3:3)

Many years ago, a lady, after reading Mal 3:3, paid a visit to a silversmith and inquired regarding the refining of silver. She said, "But Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?" "Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it necessary to put His children into a furnace, but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them.

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith said that he should further mention that he only knows when the process of purifying is complete by seeing his own image reflected in the silver. Likewise, when God sees His own image in His people, His work of purifying will be accomplished.