Like most books written by Puritan writers, this is meaty fare for the truth-hungry appetite of serious Christian readers. Sibbes starts off slowly, in my opinion, and some readers looking for an easier read will be dissuaded if they do not persevere.Sibbes is not above spiritualizing certain passages, but for the most part, his interpretation of the scriptures is careful and sound. The book is built around a familiar passage, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth,” (Isaiah 42:1-3).
What encouragement this book is for those of us who are sometimes discouraged by our own sinfulness. How reassuring to meditate on the truths Sibbes expounds in this sensitive, yet powerful, message to us.
I especially appreciated the chapter on “Duties and Discouragements.” And as a student of theodicy, I was greatly interested in his chapter, “Grace Shall Reign,” which points to several passages related to the godly purposes of suffering, which I found extremely encouraging. From a counseling perspective, he repeatedly urged us to treat our suffering, weaker brother with gentleness, as Christ did. But he also treats the reader to his own tenderness as he reminds us that we, too, can be bruised reeds and smoking flax.
In fact, by the end of The Bruised Reed, I felt the excitement of a pep rally as Sibbes, with increasing strength and persuasion, motivates our striving for living more godly lives through the hope we find in Christ, our Lord.
