Malachi 3:2
“But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:”
It is amazing how the presence of a spiritual authority causes one to immediately do right. As a preacher, I’m amused how people apologize to me for accidentally saying a wrong word in my presence as if they sinned against me. I’ve seen people quickly get their beer cans out of sight and quench their cigarette all because the preacher showed up. The presence of God’s representative was enough to cause one to put sin away.
In the verse above, a rhetorical question is asked, “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?” God knows what His presence will do to the one to whom He appears. God knows that His presence is like “a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:” It’s interesting that His presence and not what He says is like the “refiner’s fire” and the “fullers’ soap:” His presence alone causes four things to happen in the Christian’s life.
First, His presence alone makes us put those things away that hinder us from being used. Notice that God’s presence is like the “refiner’s fire.” The purpose of this fire is to remove the dross so the silver and gold become more valuable to its owner. There are many things in our lives that may not be wrong, but they hinder us from doing what God wants us to do. When you spend time in His presence, you will see what those things are and it will motivate you to get rid of them so God can use you in a greater way.
Second, His presence alone makes us purify our lives from those things that would hurt our testimony for Him. God’s presence is like the “fullers’ soap.” When the Christian dwells in the presence of God, the things of the world and the sins that so easily tempt us are no longer palatable. Why? Because the presence of God convicts us of their wrong and moves us to put them away. The easiest way to get rid of sin is to simply spend time with God.
Third, His presence alone makes us more aware of those things that displease Him. Just like the child knows what displeases their parents when they are in their presence, so the Christian becomes more aware of those things that displease their Saviour. Just spending time in the presence of God causes you to learn more of what pleases and displeases your Saviour. His presence has a way of changing our desires.
Fourth, His presence alone motivates us to give more of ourselves. Verse 3 shows that the purpose of the refining and cleaning is so that one can offer “offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” In other words, His presence stirs the Christian to be more willing to give of themselves and what they have to Him. It motivates them to do more for Him.
Friend, you need the presence of God in your life. This is why you need to daily spend time in the Scriptures and walking with Him in prayer, because it will change what you do and how you do it. Simply put, when you dwell in His presence, then His presence will change your world, your philosophy, your outlook and the world around you.