Glorify the Lord in the Fires of Affliction, by James Smith (1802-1862)

“Glorify the Lord in the fires!” Isaiah 24:15

The fires are afflictions. And they are intended to try us, to purify us, and to endear the Lord Jesus to us.

Every saint must pass through the fire. And our only concern should be to pass through honorably and usefully.

Beloved, are you in the fire?  Is the fire in your business, your family, your body, or your soul?

Wherever it is, let it be your one desire to glorify God in it. You may do so by patiently enduring. You may do so by trusting the Lord’s Word and speaking of His character and love. And, you may do so by expecting His support and supplies and holding fast to your integrity.

Beware that you do not lose the benefit of the affliction, but cry mightily to God that it may be sanctified.

Have you never been in the fire? If you belong to Christ, you will be!

“He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver!” Malachi 3:3

Those not purified in the furnace of affliction on earth will be cast as reprobate silver into the fire of Hell forever!

About James Smith (1802-1862)

James Smith was an English Baptist pastor. And he was the immediate predecessor before Charles Spurgeon at Park Street Church in London (1841-1850).  In Smith’s own words: My object is to lead the mind from SELF to Jesus, from sin to salvation, and from life’s troubles to the comforts of the gospel. My aim is to humble the sinner and exalt the Savior, to strip the creature, and place the crown on the head of God’s free grace! I cannot ascribe too much to Jesus — or too little to man!