The Bruised Reed (2)

In this second chapter, Sibbes first addresses the character of the Savior in dealing with “bruised reeds” before he moves on to the nature of the reed truly bruised.

His advancement has not made him forget his own flesh. Though it has freed him from passion, yet not from compassion towards us. The lion of the tribe of Judah will only tear in pieces those that “will not have him rule over them” (Luke 19:14). He will not show his strength against those who prostrate themselves before him.

Based upon the character of the Savior, Sibbes argues with the author of Hebrews that we have confidence to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Let the world be as it will, if we cannot rejoice in the world, yet we may rejoice in the Lord. His presence makes any condition comfortable.

Sibbes points us to the gentle Sovereign Hand that is, through trials, molding us into His image. We are broken down to be built up again.

Let this support us when we feel ourselves bruised. Christ’s way is the first to wound, then to heal. No sound whole soul shall ever enter into heaven. Think when in temptation, Christ was tempted for me; according to my trials will be my grace and comforts. If Christ be so merciful as not to break me, I will not break myself by despair, nor yield myself over to the roaring lion, Satan, to break me in pieces.

A former pastor of mine rightly clarified this point in saying that “we come boldly, not brazenly, to the throne of grace.” I think this is the point that Sibbes dwells on when he discusses “who are the bruised reeds?” How do you know that you are in the place you need to be and not just deluding yourself with saccharin-sorrow, fake repentance and misplaced faith? Lots of people suffer and fail to come to that place where their conscience is under the guilt of sin.

Again, a man truly bruised judges sin the greatest evil, and the favour of God the greatest good...He is more taken up with the inward exercises of a broken heart than with formality, and is yet careful to use all sanctified means to convey comfort.

Sibbes next addresses the heart-cry of the true believer: How do we get there? Answer: join in the bruising of ourselves as God bruises us. As He humbles us, Sibbes says that we should not fight it, for then “he will redouble his strokes.” Agree with Christ in His bruising of us. Isn’t that what true confession of sin is? You are right in your judgment; I am wrong.

In this is the mystery of sanctification. Where salvation is wholly of God, in sanctification we find some sort of co-operative effort between the saint and his Savior. Yet, the heart to bruise ourselves is also a gift of His hand.

How do we know enough is enough?

A set measure of bruising of ourselves cannot be prescribed, but it must be so far as (1) that we may prize Christ above all, and see that a Saviour must be had; and (2) that we reform that which is amiss, though it be to the cutting off of our right hand, or pulling out of our right eye...it is better to go bruised to heaven than sound to hell.

The goal of the bruising is to prize Christ above the trinkets of my security, my lust, my anxiety, and, ultimately, my pride, while trusting Him that He does not bruise without purpose. Further, I am to take my lead from Him so that I do not join in the bruising without purpose and thereby expose my weakness and need of Him where I think I am strong.