I am a Jesus pusher!!! The prophets of old wrote, “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Malachi 3:3). A Bible study group, wondering about the deeper meaning of this verse, made an appointment with a silversmith. As the silversmith revealed to them the process of refining, he was asked, “Do you sit while the refining is going on?” To that he replied, “Oh, yes, indeed. I must sit with my eyes steadily fixed on the surface. If the time necessary for refining is exceeded to the slightest degree, the silver is sure to be injured.” Then the silversmith gave the most revealing statement of all. He said, “I only know when the process is complete by seeing my own image reflected on the silver.” Is this why Jesus calls us “blessed” when we are persecuted (Matthew 5:10)?
Jesus presented the imagery for ministry as “sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10). This virtually reeks of persecution. However, He urged His disciples not to focus on the persecution. How easy it is to major on being hurt, the pain, or how unfair it is. We are to focus on being like Him. Jesus said, “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master” (Matthew 10:25). This is the supreme cry of the heart of one who embraces Him. “It is enough,” means the fulfillment of the passionate priority of my life. This is the supreme desire of my being. I am a Jesus pusher!!!