Bruised Reed

In this excellent work Sibbes concerns himself with mining the depths of Isaiah 42:1-3. He skillfully teaches us about bruised reeds, smoking flax, and Christ's victorious government. This work will prove helpful to pastors and lay persons alike. For the struggling believer it will comfort and calm your doubting. It will remind you of the mercy of Christ and leave you in the arms of our gracious Savior. Sibbes continuously reminds us that, "there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us". (13) This work will also be highly beneficial for the pastor. Sibbes is a wonderful example of the grace and mercy that a minister of Christ ought to be; it is no wonder he was called the "sweet dropper". The minister will be reminded by Sibbes not to, "pitch matters to high" (26) nor to "kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet" (30). Ministers and layperson alike are continuously brought to the foot of the Cross in this beautiful work by Sibbes. It has proved for centuries to be a "balm to souls" and will probably be so until the gracious Savior that it represents returns in victory. This book is very Christ-centered, which is sweet refreshment compared to the mounds of man-exalting literature of our day. Sibbes does a marvelous job of setting up for us to view Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One. As Sibbes points us to the Cross, he brings out of that three profound applications: that Christ mercy is full, we should be merciful, and Christ will reign victorious. If you find yourself discouraged Sibbes will point you to the Cross and therein give you profound encouragement. If you find yourself bitter, harsh, or arrogant towards others, then Sibbes will hold your hand to the Cross and remind you of our Saviors grand mercy. If you are in despair over your remaining corruption, Sibbes will cast a vision of the victory of the Cross and pull you out of despair. Jesus is truly exalted in this work. Should You Buy It? Absolutely. I would suggest buying one for yourself; one for your spouse and each child; one for each person in your neighborhood; one for each member of your church; and just in case, you should buy one for your dog.

Concerning Richard Sibbes, Charles Spurgeon claimed "Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." With the same profundity and richness that typically characterizes Puritan works Sibbes, in The Bruised Reed, masterfully and beautifully deals with things like brokenness, humility, mercy, and grace all wrapped up in the greater subject of hardships, whether they be brought by persecution or one's own sin. In a time where hedonism seems to reign supreme and commandeers the hearts of sinners and confused Christians alike, The Bruised Reed delivers a good dose of sobriety to those who would revel in their good circumstance. Might it be if one is not under affliction of one sort or another that he has not been bruised, broken, or brought to the end of himself? And if not, has he, in his pride, been given over to his depraved mind, unable to hear the thunder of God's voice which grants a man repentance? May it not be for you, me, or anyone! The wise Puritan writes, "This is such a one as our Saviour Chirst terms 'poor in spirit' (Matt. 5:3), who sees his wants, and also sees himself indebted to divine justice..." and God lowers us "levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature." Let the sinner see his suffering as God's kindness which leads to salvation. Let the saint see his suffering as the means by which God perfects grace in the heart of His servant, mortifying the flesh. With simple language and Biblical saturation, Sibbes encourages the Christian to take comfort in tribulation while looking to victory, to show grace to the weak, and to believe in Christ's goodness to us despite afflictions undergone. I heartily encourage any and all to read this fine work and now I leave you with some words of wisdom from Richard Sibbes. "In pursuing his calling, Christ will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax...he will not only not break nor quench, but he will cherish those with whom he deals."

Into the so-called "self-help" genre of today, Sibbes speaks of the only true remedy for depression and low self-esteem. Page upon page provides soothing words of our Father's great love for us along with challenges to live as though we knew we were so loved. Help is not in ourselves but only in the one who created us and loves us with a love beyond human understanding. Sibbes leads us to our Father and his word where the only answer for the trials and tribulations of the human condition can be found. In these pages are the insights and practical tools to battle depression and discouragement. Every heart can benefit from "doctor" Sibbes' great legacy to us.