The Bruised Reed and the Smoking Flax (2)

Such bruising may help weaker Christians not to be too much discouraged, when they see stronger ones shaken and bruised. Peter was bruised when he wept bitterly (Matt. 26:75). This reed, until he met with this bruise, had more wind in him than substance when he said, 'Though all forsake you, I will not' (Matt. 26:33). The people of God cannot be without these examples. The heroic deeds of those great worthies do not comfort the church so much as their falls and bruises do. David was bruised until he came to a free confession, without guile of spirit (Psa. 32:3-5); his sorrows did rise in his feeling unto the extreme pain of breaking his bones (Psa. 51:8). Hezekiah complains that God had 'broken his bones' as a lion (Isa. 38:13). The chosen vessel Paul needed the messenger of Satan to buffet him lest he should be lifted up above measure (2 Cor. 12:7). We learn that we must not pass too harsh a judgment upon ourselves or others when God buffets us with bruising upon bruising. There must be a conformity to our head, Christ, who 'was bruised for us' (Isa. 53:5) that we may know how much we are bound to him. Ungodly spirits, ignorant of God's ways in bringing his children to heaven, censure broken-hearted Christians as miserable persons. Whereas God is doing a gracious, good work with them. It is no easy matter to bring a man from nature to grace, and from grace to glory, so unyielding and intractable are our hearts.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Bruised Reed, pp. 5-6
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