Thumped!

Mr. Bill was a thumper.  Whenever the boys misbehaved, he would use the thumb-forefinger combination as a weapon.  Thankfully, it only took a few thumps to establish the weapon as viable and effective.  In a few rare moments of insanity, Mr. Bill thumped me – that was a mistake!

It’s always amazes me how little some Christians read God’s Word then it occurred me one day:  aha, they don’t like getting thumped!  Now, I don’t really think “thumped” is a Bible word, but the results are the same.  Without a doubt, Mr. Bill’s “thump” was an attention-getter, caused those boys to stop and listen.  God indeed gave and preserved His Word to comfort, encourage, and inspire BUT also to make us sit up and take notice of our sin: “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)  Matthew Henry writes, “It makes a soul that has long been proud, to be humble; and a perverse spirit, to be meek and obedient.”  This living and active Word of God drags us [often] kicking and screaming to the seat of justice where, rather than justice, God’s mercy and grace reign.  Because of the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are can “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace.” (Hebrews 4:16)  Amen and amen and amen!!!  Spiritual thumpin’ is rarely pleasant but without it the Believer never grows, and will surely miss the real prosperity of God’s Kingdom here.  Take note, Believer – open His Word faithfully.  Don’t mind the thumpin’ – welcome it and relish the sweetness of His Grace!