missio

The way in which most things we use are serviceable to us and answer their end is in their being strained, or hard-pressed, or violently agitated. Thus the way in which the bow answers its end is in hard straining of it to shoot the arrow and do the execution; the bow that won’t bear straining is good for nothing. So it is with a staff that a man walks with: it answers its end in being hard-pressed. So it is with many of the members of our bodies, our teeth, our feet, etc; and so with most of the utensils of life, an ax, a saw, a flail, a rope, a chain, etc. They are useful and answer their end by some violent straining, pressure, agitation, collision, or impulsion, and they that are so weak not to bear the trial of such usage are good for nothing.

Here is a lively representation of the way in which true and sincere saints (which are often in Scripture represented as God’s instruments or utensils) answer God’s end, and serve and glorify Him in it: by enduring temptation, going through hard labor, suffering, or self-denial or such service or strains hard upon nature and self. Hypocrites are like a broken tooth, a foot out of joint, a broken staff, a deceitful bow, which fail when pressed or strained.

Why must I be thrown at the feet of Your mercy?
          Can I not bow on my own?
No, indeed I cannot. Remind me, Lord, of Your
          good favor.
Bring to memory what You have delivered
          me from.
Call forth thoughts of yesterday from within
          the very depths of my being.
Pierce my thoughts with the sharpened arrows
          of Your abounding grace.
For You, my Redeemer, have brought me to my
          knees.
I did not come on my own. I was bade,
          yet I did not come.
I spit in the beckoning hand, yet it
          remained open…until at last…
Your hand clutched at my heart, wrenching
          it as dirty laundry.
Where I was once blind…I saw.
     And to my knees I fell.
          At last.