THE HAMMER OF GOD’S WORD

“Is not MY WORD like a fire?” says the LORD; “And like a HAMMER that breaks the rock in pieces?” – Jeremiah 23:29

Today, we lay hold on the HAMMER of GOD’S WORD: “Is not MY WORD like a fire?” says the LORD; “And like a HAMMER that breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jer.23:29). The Lord Himself asked this rhetorical question which implies that His Word is sufficient to break every unbreakable rock, and shatter human stubbornness and arrogance against Him. No psychology, sociology, philosophy or any other “logy” or “ism” is comparable to God’s Word. His Word is able to judge the hardest of hearts; infiltrate into the deepest part of the human heart and bring to light true motives, thoughts, and attitudes.

Words can be powerful – positively or negatively. A reckless, harsh word can cut a person like a knife. Words can also be helpful tools and agents for good. Wise words spoken at the right time can prevent tragedy. A kind word can provide comfort and succour to the hurting. Most importantly, words can be weapons. God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit (Eph.6:17). His Word is also like a sledgehammer – shattering and breaking down whatsoever He’s determined to crush. No weapon that is formed against the Word will prosper. Nothing can prevent it from accomplishing its purpose and being fulfilled (Isa. 55:11). Words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit are backed up by the power of God and can have a tremendous impact on people.

The powers of persuasion or force of logic cannot change hearts like the Word of God can. His Word is like a pile-driving sledge hammer that smashes rocks. In the context of Jeremiah 23, God was dealing with false prophets who presented their own foolish dreams as His Word. False religion, no matter how impressive, will always bow to the truth of God’s Word. The hammer of the Word breaks in pieces every impregnable rocky fortress of fear, unbelief, false religion, and perversion.

God’s Word always does His purposes – without fail and without exception. Pharaoh encountered the omnipotent hammer of God’s Word, as the waters of the Red Sea engulfed and drowned him and his entire army. By this hammer, Jezebel was eaten by dogs; Nebuchadnezzar bowed to the God of heaven; and Babylon was torn from Belshazzar’s grasp. Contrariwise, the hammer of the Word secured Joseph’s distinction in destiny; fulfilled Hannah’s heart-cry for a son; and transformed Saul of Tarsus into Paul the apostle.

An adamant or hard heart describes someone who refuses to be persuaded, is unmovable or unshakeable in their thinking – the spiritual condition of a person who is rebellious towards God’s words (Zech.7:12). But no force of man or nature can withstand the blows of the hammer of God’s Word. Though a heart is as hard as an adamant stone; though a soul has turned from God, lived in lewdness and persisted in rebellion; though a man lies nearly lifeless on his deathbed, God’s Word always breaks through to save and deliver. As we serve the Lord, do His will, and wield His Word with wisdom, faith, and love, all formidable oppositions, impossible situations, and daunting challenges shall bow to the Hammer of the Word!    

Many times, a hammer does not break the rock in pieces at once; it must be applied consistently for some time. Every blow weakens the rock inside although this may not be obvious. One last blow then completely shatters it. The followers of Christ must consistently apply God’s Word even if it appears there is no noticeable impact. The result will soon be obvious if we faint not. When God’s Word confronts deception, corruption, and manipulations, all carnal defences are smashed.

The Holy Spirit crushes stubborn hearts, rips out all that is rotten and sin-infested, to replace with good. He reminds us that God hammered His own Son to the cross, in our place. Christ suffered for our stubbornness and unbelief. He was nailed to the cross for our hard hearts. His Word breaks through hardened attitudes of hearts and minds to make them more like His!