Refiner’s Fire and Fuller’s Soap (December 23)

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Introduction

The days of the Messiah will be days of purification and cleansing. As we prepare to welcome Him, let us also prepare to accept the truth which His message communicates 

Reflection

Many of us only welcome and accept a version of Christianity that appeals to our sensibilities. The Saviour must tell us what we want to hear; and He must do what we want Him to do. His words must always be soothing, make us feel so good and should never challenge us to work on ourselves and be better. For many of us, we must not go through challenges and struggles in order to be saved; and so on. If it has cost God a lot to initiate a project for the salvation of humankind, it must also cost humanity a lot to procure that salvation. Salvation can’t be obtained on a platter of gold. To be saved from sin is like walking through fire.

Prophet Malachi describes the days of the Messiah as the days of the refiner's fire (cf Mal. 3:2-3). This is a description that may not appeal to our sensibilities! A vision that may not be acceptable to the “feel-good” Christianity of our time. Malachi's prophetic vision is the type of vision that comes with a peculiar message: TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS AND BE SAVED; MOVE AWAY FROM YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND COME TO THE ZONE OF CHALLENGE FOR YOUR SALVATION.

To move from the comfort of sin and self-indulgence is not as easy as it may sound. The world doesn't want to hear that. It is a message that may be itchy or unpleasant to the ears but will no less be therapeutic to the soul.

The birth of John the Baptist was extraordinary and strange. And his ministry and life were no less extraordinary, strange and revolutionary because he preached an uncommon message: a fiery message of repentance and truth.

It's interesting to know that the Savior whom we expect is also the TRUTH. Truth, as we know it, is often bitter but always therapeutic. We are preparing to welcome the Messiah. Are we also preparing to accept and welcome the truth which He will communicate?

Prayer:

May the grace of God dispose us for the acceptance of the TRUTH all the time, Amen.





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