You had to know this was going to happen. The guy goes on a fast and he’s already getting deep and philosophical on us. OK, I admit I’m a “thinker” and my wife constantly accuses me of being “analytical” even when I’m NOT on a fast. So here’s the latest “dish.” Did I say “dish?” Yup. When you aren’t eating food, you have to dine on something, so why not the Word of God?

The inspiration for this thought came after Pastor Stephen preached our communion service message entitled, “Let Me Be Broken.” I’ve been “nibbling” on it ever since (there I go again with the “eating” references). As I shared with the Lord my desire to be just that, broken, I was deeply impressed upon in my spirit that we have so many that say they’re willing to be broken but fail to allow themselves to be engulfed by the entire process of being “broken.” Simply stated, they only go as far as being fractured, and stop before they can be broken.

What Do You Mean by “Broken?” 

There is no greater imagery of what it means to be broken than the night that Jesus was betrayed. Consider this passage in I Corinthians 11:23-26

 ²³For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: ²⁴And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁵After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ²⁶For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Jesus showed us that in order to be of any use one must be broken. He symbolized it with this sacred breaking of the bread that represented His body, and He demonstrated it with the breaking of His body at Calvary. Had He not become broken for you and I, we would not enjoy this great plan of Salvation. It wasn’t until the bread was broken that it could actually be effectively used. If you refer to yesterday’s post you’ll see that this bread I am referring to is Jesus Christ!

A Full Break is Better Than a Fracture

Thankfully, I’ve never experienced a broken bone, but I have had some close calls. In fact, I’ve been told a time or two that it would have been better if I would have just plain broken the bone. But because it was a fracture, there wasn’t much they could do. I think as Christians we opt out of the process of being broken too soon. If you are not careful, you will stop at simply being fractured which puts you at risk for more pain and suffering than if you would have just allowed your will to be broken. But because you stopped too soon, or you allowed other priorities to creep in, you are fractured. The healing process is prolonged and actually, medically speaking, that injury could plague you with aches and pains the rest of your life, never being fully allowed to heal. I think this is when Christians become bitter, resentful and critical; they’re fractured, they’re not broken.

How Do I Feel?

I feel just fine in the Lord. I’m not going to allow the weakness and temptations of the flesh to undermine what God’s trying to accomplish. Stopping this process too soon could very well put me at risk of simply being fractured and not completely broken. I want to be used of God in whatever capacity He’s called me. That’s going to involve a breaking process, but if I allow the great Potter to form and fashion, mold and shape me according to His perfect design than break away Lord. Make me stronger and of more value to your Kingdom.