Bible Simile, 13of14

~ The Bible is Like a Hammer—It Can Both Break You and Make You ~

Bible Similes  ~  The Word of God likens itself to a number of practical items.  “The Word is like…”  In this series we will look at some of the similes of the Bible which are presented clearly in the Bible itself. 

Like Fire  ~  “‘Is not My Word  …  like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” (Jeremiah 23:29). 

Application  ~  A hammer can build or destroy.  In the hands of someone set out to destroy a hammer can break even strong stones.  The building demolition crew often has a greater purpose in mind.  The old shack that was torn down might be making room for a more functional and useful building.  Likewise, sometimes being broken humanly is what leads an individual to questioning the reality and purpose of their existence.  “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). 

In the hands of a craftsman a hammer can build a piece of furniture, a building, on a beautiful piece of art.  God is the Master Builder.  He can fashion something great out of something that was useless.  “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10). 

Supplemental Material  ~  “The Touch of the Master’s Hand”

by Myra B. Welch (1877-1959) 

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin, but held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried, “Who’ll start the bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar, then, two!  Only two?  Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;  Going for three…” 
But no, from the room, far back, a grey-haired man came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin, and tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet as a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low, said:
“What am I bid for the old violin?”  And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?  Two thousand!  And who’ll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice; and going and gone” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

“We do not quite understand, what changed its worth?”
Swift came the reply: “The Touch of the Master’s Hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin.
A “mess of potage,” a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on.
He is “going” once, and “going” twice, he’s “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes and the foolish crowd never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought by the touch of the Master’s Hand.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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