The Bible’s Blow

“Is not my word like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:29)

It would put us at a great disadvantage to see the Bible only as a book designed to bring cosmic comfort to the soul. To be sure, this is one of the things the Word of God does in the lives of all those who read it. But as we read the words of the prophet Jeremiah, the Bible also strikes its blow like a holy hammer, breaking a rock in pieces. And what is that rock?  It is the rock of self-righteousness and sinful pride embedded in our own hearts.

The problem in too many pulpits today is that the preacher is more concerned with pleasing man than he is with pleasing God. Messages designed to tickle the ears and minister to felt needs are dominating the landscape. But when the whole counsel of God is preached, it comes with a holy hammer that chisels away at our sinful pride and self-righteousness, forming the image of our Lord Jesus Christ as time passes.

There are many false prophets who preach, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14). The natural man craves this false peace, for his greatest goal in life is to feel happy. But God desires so much more for His people! In God’s perfect plan for our imperfect lives, holiness — not happiness — is the path God intends for us to travel. And the pathway leading to holiness is not lined with peace, but persecution.

Here is a phrase I learned many years ago that I have repeated from the pulpit on many occasions: As a minister of the Good News of Jesus Christ, God has called me to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. The Christian life is not designed to be lived safely within a zone of comfort, for comfort is not conducive to conformity to Christ.    

Note well: The Bible’s blow is the believer’s blessing. Comfort must be mixed with challenge . . . peace must be mixed with pain. The Bible often uses sports metaphors to describe the life of the disciple of Christ. The runner will not reach his or her goal of winning the race without the discipline necessary to push through the pain and discomfort of training. The Word of God is designed to train us up in the way we should go, and that way is marked by weeping as much as it is marked by rejoicing — if not more so! 

When was the last time the Word caused you to weep? When was the last time you felt the Bible’s blow hammering away at the old nature within? Remember, Jesus said it would be the truth that would set you free (John 8:32), and that truth is designed to turn your life inside out and upside down as God reshapes and redesigns His image in you.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!