God’s Word—Like a Hammer!

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:9, NIV

“But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV)

Jeremiah is the prophet who found the Word of God and ate it, and it became the delight of his heart. In this passage, Jeremiah is saying God’s Word is like a fire, a fire in both his heart and his bones that must be released or spoken in accordance with the mission God gave him.

God’s Word is also like a hammer.

“‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’” (Jeremiah 23:29, NIV)

God’s Word breaks the rock of “SELF” into pieces, so God can work his purposes out in our life, making it possible for us to use our 3 Ts—time, talent, and treasure—for kingdom purposes.

Christians today have the same “fire,” in that we are commanded to go into all the world to share the gospel that brings forth both life and immortality for our generation. The stakes are high, and the time is short.

Scripture notes how we are a very special people:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

It is a God-given privilege to be a member of this great family of the redeemed, members of the church of the firstborn. We must perform these special functions that God has given us to do.

Not only are we to proclaim the praises of him to the world, but we are also called to praise and confess his name:

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15–16, NIV)

With our lips we express gratitude and praise to God in addition to openly confessing him.

Today, ask yourself:

Have I found a way to become actively involved with the ARMY OF THE REDEEMED in bringing the gospel of life and immortality to light in my generation? Surely, I have something I can do to participate. I ask you, Lord, to direct my steps.