Surely,
there is a vein for the silver and a place for gold where it is refined. Job
28:1.
This means there
is a place where God selects His choice men and women for His own special
purposes. God is also saying that there is a place for refinement.
Our recruitment
for divine purposes begins at Calvary. That’s where we are found. It is God who first finds us before we find Him. The Bible says that, ‘While we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us...’. It also says that the Son of man has come to
seek and to save that which was lost.
The
Recruitment of Gideon’s War Men – A Case Study (Judges 7)
They were all men of Israel but:
a.
Many were afraid
and fearful. What brings fear into the life of a Christian today? It could be
the presence of sin, lack of sufficient courage in God and shame while doing
the things of God. Jesus asked His followers not to be ashamed of Him. Paul said,
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
b.
Furthermore, God
tried these men again (the remaining) and only 300 men passed the test. What
was observed in others?
i.
They lacked a
soldier-like attitude
ii.
They loved
pleasure than purpose
iii.
They had low
alertness to the Lord’s work
God is still looking for men. Can He find
you? Ezek 22:30
Divine
Refinement
Take away the dross from the silver, and
there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner.
Prov 25:4 (King James 2000 Bible)
There is the presence of a Refiner, a vessel and dross.
Refinement is done is a divine
crucible. It is where God focuses on His chosen instruments.
What are the crucibles today?
a.
The crucible of devotion. Before any ministry at all,
you must be called to the ministry of devotion. The ministry of ministry to the
Lord. Luke 10:38-42, Mark 3:14
b.
The crucible of discipleship. God does not use those
who don’t continue with Him. Don’t follow those who say once saved, forever
saved. Continue in His word! John 8:31; Acts 9:26-28
c.
The crucible of discipline Heb 12:5-12. Endure all divine chastening that are meant to
bring you to maturity.
d.
The crucible of divine purging – Is 6:1-8; Malachi 3:3.
Allow and ask God to purge you of any dross in your life. You need His mercy.
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