Have you ever burned yourself?
Have you ever hit your thumb with a hammer?
I have done both and can give a first-hand testimony that both are painful.
Despite being burned, I continue to use fire!
I will still strike a match to cook on the grill, burn leaves, and later this year I will build a fire in the wood heater.
Likewise, I have hit my thumb many times with a hammer and despite doing this; I will still use one in building things.
It is written “Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” Jer. 23:29
And yet, there are many people that when they hear or read the word of the Lord, it “burns” in their heart and it “hammers” on their spirit.
They decide to avoid it and not draw near it again.
But fire and a hammer are both useful, beneficial instruments for humanity.
The blacksmith used both to fashion and form implements; whether a horseshoe or a plow.
The metal was heated in the fire and shaped by the hammer into something useful, once it was cooled and hardened.
Despite the fact that some might run away and hide from God and His burning, hammering word, all must still face the fact that He said each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Cor. 3:13-15
And then there are those that are cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:15
No matter what we do we still must face the fire and it is better not to be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13), but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today.” Heb. 3:13
And as fire purifies precious metals I encourage you to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8