The Bruised Reed

"A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory." (NKJV) Matthew 12:20.

I just finished The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes and highly recommend it to every believer battling sin and the sufferings of this world. The Bruised Reed is one of those books that every Christian should read a couple of times a year. Contrary to the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel that is all too common today, Sibbes declares that it is through our bruising that we are sanctified.

". . .God often works by contraries: when he means to give victory, he will allow us to be foiled at first; when he means to comfort, he will terrify first; when he means to justify, he will condemn us first; when he means to make us glorious, he will abuse us first. A Christian conquers, even when he is conquered. When he is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, such as spiritual pride and security." Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed, The Banner of Truth Trust, p. 95.

Nevertheless, the author gives great encouragement by reminding us that although the reed may be bruised, Christ will not break it, and while the flax may only smolder, Christ will not quench it.

"Satan, as he slanders Christ to us, so he slanders us to ourselves. If you are not so much as smoking flax, then why do you not renounce your interest in Christ, and disclaim the covenant of grace? This you dare not do. Why do you not give yourself up wholly to other pleasures? This your spirit will not allow you to do. Where do these restless groanings and complaints come from? Lay your present state alongside the office of Christ to such, and do not despise the consolation of the Almightly nor refuse your own mercy. Cast yourself into the arms of Christ, and if you perish, perish there. If you do not, you are sure to perish. If mercy is to be found anywhere, it is there."Id. at 64-65.

C. H. Spurgeon wrote, 'Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands.' Id. at vii. Hear hear! I submit that this seventeenth century puritan's work is much more edifying than anything that you will find written by any contemporary Christian author today.