Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed (affiliate link). Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1630; reprint ed. 2022. 143 pages.
I enjoy periodically reading from the Puritans. They have a way of deeply examining Bible verses. Richard Sibbes spends 143 pages exploring the significance of Isaiah 42:1-3— “This is my servant; I strengthen him, this is my chosen one; I delight in him. I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or shout or make his voice heard in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick; he will faithfully bring justice.”
This book isn’t long, but it is filled with rich insights. I found myself highlighting statements on nearly every page. Sibbes examines a great passage in Isaiah that looks forward to the Messiah. Jesus affirmed that the passage was referring to him (Matt. 12:18-20). I’ll highlight just a few of Sibbes’ insights.
He begins by stating, “In this we see the sweet love of God to us, in that he counts the work of our salvation by Christ his greatest service, and that he will put his only beloved Son to that service” (1). He adds, “What a support to our faith is this, that God the Father, the party offended by our sins, is so well pleased with the work of redemption!” (2).
Stibbes offers comfort to those who struggle with doubts and concern for their sin. He states, “A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope” (15). I appreciated his comment, “How gently did he endure the unbelief of Thomas and stooped so far unto his weakness, as to suffer him to thrust his hand into his side” (15).
Stibbes encourages readers not to despise their weakness. He notes, “All the glorious fireworks of zeal and holiness in the saints had their beginnings from a few sparks. . . Christ values us by what we shall be, and by what we are elected unto” (18). He adds, “So we see that grace does not do away with corruption all at once but some is left for believers to fight with” (19).
Sibbes urges readers to be gentle with those we disciple. He suggests that “It is not the best way, to assail young beginners with minor matters, but to show them a more excellent way and train them in the fundamental points” (25). He argues, “The best men are severe to themselves, tender toward others” (26).
Nevertheless, Stibbes exhorts his readers to speak the truth, however unpopular it might be. He also cautions that we not become so gentle that we fail to address falsehood. He argues, “Therefore, we must take heed that, under pretense of avoidance of disputes, we do not suffer an adverse party to get ground upon the truth; for thus may we easily betray both the truth of God and the souls of men” (31).
I was heartened by Sibbes’ statement, “He who died for his enemies, will he refuse those, the desire of whose soul is towards him?” (72). No matter how difficult our life may be, Sibbes reminds us that “We can never be in such a condition that there will be just cause of utter despair. Therefore, let us do as mariners do, cast anchor in the dark” (72).
In a harsher comment, Sibbes suggests that “None are damned in the church but those that are determined to be, including those who persist in having hard thoughts of Christ” (75). He cautions, “Salvation itself will not save those that spill the medicine and cast away the plaster” (76).
Sibbes writes that “No wicked man can be a wise man. Without Christ’s Spirit the soul is in confusion” (100). He later comments that “A little thing in the hand of a giant will do great things. A little faith strengthened by Christ will work wonders” (104).
I appreciated Sibbes’ observation that, “. . . for every strong encounter there must be a new supply of strength” (127). Interestingly, Sibbes points out that “. . . we often fail in lesser conflicts and stand firm in greater, because in the lesser we rest more in ourselves, in the greater we fly to the rock of our salvation which is higher than me (Ps. 61:2) (130).
Sibbes suggests, “Oh, what a confusion is this to Satan, that he should labour to blow out a poor spark and yet should not be able to quench it; that a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell” (139). Though we have small faith, Sibbes sees enormous potential in it. He urges, “See a flame in a spark, a tree in a seed. See great things in little beginnings” (139).
Finally, Sibbes argues that “No creature can hinder the course of the sun, nor stop the influence of heaven, nor hinder the blowing of the wind, much less hinder the prevailing power of divine truth, until Christ has brought all under one head, and then will present all to his Father” (141).
I have provided samples of Sibbes’ thought from throughout the book. He wrote in the 17th century, so some of his words may seem dated. He was also prejudiced against the Roman Catholic Church, which he refers to as popery. In his day, the high church of England was pushing back hard against Puritans, and Sibbes wrote from the context of stern opposition and persecution. Although some of his statements may appear harsh to readers today, the overall tenor of his writing is quite gracious, especially considering his circumstances.
As I shared in the beginning, I enjoy reading the Puritans, especially when they squeeze all the marrow they can from a particular text. This is a great example of that deep focus. This book is short, which is probably good. I encourage you to read it slowly and carefully.
Rating: 4
