Fire and Hammer

Jeremiah 23: 29

“Is not My word like fire?” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”

It is interesting to see how the Lord describes His word. In this passage the Lord was talking about the prophets. He was displeased because they were not telling the people what His word declares. He said in verse 28, “Let him who has My word speak My word in truth.” This is the job of the prophet. The mission is not to tell cute anecdotal stories and jokes. It is not the administration of the church. The basic function of pulpit ministers is to speak God’s word in truth. Why is this so? It is because the word is powerful.

What words would you use to describe fire? The word which comes to my mind is “consuming.” God’s word is consuming like fire. And why do you suppose God compares His word to a hammer. Is it because it is a tool with which a person can exert great force? Fire is full of power and energy as well. It seems that God is conveying to us that His word is a powerful force in our hands and mouths. He chastised the prophets because they were not equipping the people with the Word. The prophets were not giving the people that one tool which was able to overcome their problems.

What challenges are you facing right now? Make a list of them, actually write them out on paper. Don’t let your issue remain nebulous ghosts which haunt your waking and sleeping hours. Write them down. Now look at the list. Every single one of them has an answer in God’s word. Look in the back of your Bible for related verses for each. Search online, ask your pastor, ask me. There are answers. Don’t let those problems have free reign in your life. Light them up with the word. Burn ‘em down and beat them over the head with your Word hammer. The Word is more powerful than those challenges. Let’s get after them!