Dross

This is something considered worthless or waste. It is the “foreign matter, dregs, or mineral waste in particular scum formed on the surface of molten metal”. When melting silver or gold, dross is formed from the parts that were additives and not the real deal. A piece of jewelry may look like it’s 14 carat gold, but if it were melted down might contain a lot of “junk minerals” to make it appear gold. In the heat of the smelting furnace process the truth comes out. The Lord was about to melt the “dross” of His people. He was beyond frustrated and angry – it was judgment day for them and their detestable behavior. Check this out…

17 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 18 ‘Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. 19 Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Because you have all become dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. 20 As silver, copper, iron, lead and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. (Ezekiel 22:17-20 NIV)

I know that when the heat of my circumstances come, I will find out what I’m made of. The “stuff” that doesn’t matter gets cast off when trials and struggles come and what’s important remains. It’s a cleansing of sorts that happens. I think it’s important to keep building the core of who I am – my heart. When the fire of trials come and I’m tested, my metal will stand up against the refiners fire. I will not be all dross and no metal. I never want my heart to be “dross” before the Lord. I want my heart to be strong in pursuit of Him so that I can withstand the attacks of the enemy. This all sounds fairly easy, and it is simple – but definitely NOT easy.

Pressing On!

Dwayne