January 12, 2023

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” Revelation 3:18a

The counsel of Jesus is always spot-on. It is meant to encourage those who recognize the weakness of their faith. We should likewise highlight—to ourselves and others—the God of solutions to every problem. We all need encouragement to stay the course. Do not let go of hope!

King David was at a very low point in 1 Samuel 30:6b: But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. It is never wrong to go straight to the Lord with your problem. In fact, it is the only way to gain answers for yourself and to rightly steer others. Give it to Him and allow Him to have the say in what to do next.

Since we are clearly taught that no one can buy his or her way into heaven, let us consider what Jesus means by: buy from Me gold refined in the fire. This precious gold refers to faith. Faith itself is a gift from God, but because we have spiritual enemies who constantly work to dismantle and destroy that faith, it needs a steady supply of nourishment, and also refinement for the dross to be removed! To possess a faith that continues in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is to be rich!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . . . In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold . . . tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3,6,7

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me . . .” Revelation 22:12a