Being strongly opposed to Halloween I considered exposing this unholy day and what it represents once again. I wanted to inform people about the origins that have lead to the celebration of Satan’s holiday, but I will spare you. I don’t want to be redundant either. The only thing I ask is; if you are considering participating in this event, please first obtain total knowledge and a clear understanding of what you are actually embracing and identifying with. I am certain that the information would alarm you and cause you to reconsider. I would urge you to read my previous article (October 1999) in the Gondolier’s archives or on the Internet.
So instead of writing about this gruesome, sinister phenomenon that has overtaken our society, I want to bless your socks off with something more cheery and refreshing -- three men that were thrown into a furnace. I knew that would make you gasp. Just bear with me. I promise you there is nothing to be alarmed about.
First, I would like to share something that beautifully illustrates the third chapter of Malachi where God states; ‘And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.’ A silversmith, who was relating the process of refining silver, was asked if he had to sit and wait for the silver to be refined or could he go about his business. His reply was that his eye had to be steadily fixed on the furnace because if the time necessary for refining should be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver would be injured.
God in His wisdom sometimes allows His children to go through the furnace of difficulties so that the dross will be removed from our lives. But while they are being refined by the fiery trial, His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, guarding that they not be consumed. He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
If you reflect on some of the hardships that you have had to endure during the course of your life, it will become apparent that those very same events formed the richest quality of your character and personality. Priorities changed and your understanding of what is truly important, valuable and precious in life, quickly rose to the surface.
The silversmith was also asked how he knew the refining process was complete. "Why, that is quite simple," he replied, "when I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."
Scripture says that by beholding the glory of God, we become as mirrors that brightly reflect His glory. As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him.
We need to guard against anything that would spot or tarnish that mirror in us.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a furnace, not to be purged but to be destroyed, because they would not bow down and worship a golden image. It was not just a custom but became the command. They answered, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Into the furnace they go, but Glory to God, the king was astounded when he saw ‘a fourth man loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and the form of the fourth man was like the Son of God.’
They would not compromise, therefore God marvelously honored their integrity and sent His Son to rescue them.
God also sent His Son 2,000 years ago to rescue us from the flames of hell. Not a very popular concept in the 21st century but a very real place nevertheless. The only prerequisite is that we bow our knee to Him. The prophet Joel says in chapter two; ‘whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered.’
Copyright Donna Martonfi www.psalm40ministries.com
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