JULY 28
The Smith Purpose
SILLY SMITH FACT : The most common of all surnames. The word is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Smitan, to smite or strike
Isaiah 54:16 – “Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy”.
I a highlighting 3 key points today:
God Created the Smith to blow the coals
The bringing forth of an instrument for his work; and
God has also created the waster to destroy
God Created the Smith to blow the coals
A blacksmith is a metalsmith who created objects from wrought iron or steel forging the metal, using tools to hammer, bend and cut, Blacksmiths produce objects such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, Sculpture, tools weapons, cooking utensils etc
As depicted in the Caverns of Isengaard scene, a metal smith uses intense heat and cold when smithing his tool, weapon or such then
In general terms, the process for heat treating steel is accomplished by heating, rapid cooling, and reheating of the chosen material. When steel is cooled quickly, the atoms are “frozen” in an unstable position. The steel is very hard, but very brittle. By tempering steel, the atoms are allowed to rearrange into a more stable position. The hardness of steel is sacrificed for ductility (the materials ability to stretch or deform). The end result is a material with increased strength and toughness. Given these properties, it allows for the material to bend before fracturing.
Handy Link: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Temper-Steel/
This to me is a great analogy of what takes place in our lives at times. We undergo great pressure, or the heat is on – as God puts the spotlight on a sin in our lives - things can overwhelm us to the point where we are ‘frozen’.. feel stuck and in a corner - unable to do anything about it. Just when we think we can’t take any more, something else happens – how often have you heard someone say “I just can’t take any more of this?”
The Bible talks about fiery Trials
2 Corinthians 8: 2 “how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality”.
James 1: 2 – 4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”.
1 Peter 1: 7: “that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”.
1 Peter 4: 12 : “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, insomuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory may be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding joy. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you:”
These scriptures have some common themes.
Trials will happen sometime in our lives
During our trials our response should be one of Joy!! Sing oh Barren
Q: what is our general response in these times?
Going back to the analogy the end result of the ‘tempering’ process was a stronger, tool or weapon that would bend rather than break. If we think back over our lives, I am sure we can all agree that if we respond the right way to ALL of our trials we do come out stronger and more flexible. The more trials the stronger we become and the harder it is to ‘break’ us! We live in a fallen world and trials are a part of life.
Bringing forth of an instrument fit for his work
I am sure there is a whole bunch but I will cover off just 3 instruments
Arrow
PS18:14 - Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them
Sword
Heb 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Sickle
Joel 3: 13 - Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow
PS 126:6 - He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Circling back to our picture of the Smith, Smithing the instruments, we know from the scriptures that God wants us to be either hot or cold – not luke warm. If the Smithy uses a lukewarm fire then the instrument won’t be as strong.
And God created the waster to destroy
It may come as a surprise to know that God created Satan for the day of destruction!
Ezekiel 28;15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
God used Nebuchaddnezer the King of Babylon to fulfill the consequences of Israel’s rebellion and in many ways he and his armies were wasters – they came and pulled apart the temple and brought Jerusalem to the ground. – eventually God restored Jerusalem
Through the prophet Jeremy God told them they had to go to Babylon, be there 70 years and chose it, serve that city etc, and God will bless and eventually bring you back to Jerusalem
God also was going to punish Nebuchadnezzer for what he did to His own people.
Gods ways are not our ways and Gods thoughts are not our thoughts
Isa 55:9 -For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As we go about our work we need to choose to serve those around us – even if they are evil.
How does this relate to the SMITH PURPOSE?
The Smith is a key role in God’s plans for everlasting increase.
The government is upon His shoulders
Isa 9: 6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and hisname shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.
B. I . D
We are a church that is about the new song.
1) Sing don’t grizzle