Assayers

"We went through fire and through water, yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance," Psalm 66:12.

This, a remarkable affirmation of God's awesome deeds. God has brought his people through treacherous arroyos to vast grasslands. So the psalmist starts off with calls for joy to God, glorious praises to God throughout the earth, singing praises to God, noticing what wonders God has done, and on and on. And. And the psalmist, without apology, also notes that God did the testing. God tested the people like assayers test silver. God brought them into a net. God laid a crushing burden on their backs. God led them through fire and water. Purifying does not feel good. No. Jesus' cross wasn't a bit of fun. Yet it completed God's cleansing work in the hearts of men and women of faith.

As we meet (virtually or however) with a brother or sister today, we speak of God's marvelous works that, through suffering, yielded purity and abundance for us. And, together, in faithful joy, we give thanks as we praise God.