...hammer

Several years ago, on a program dedicated to the retirement of James and Shirley Dobson, Jim Daley spoke of a rally the team was attending when several youth began to jeer. Dr. Dobson paused in his talk, turned in their direction and with a quiet voice said, "I know you all have hurting hearts." The jeering stopped; and for the rest of the time, the youth sat listening to his every word. Mr. Daley then used a term which has remained with me -" Dr. Dobson hit them with a 'velvet hammer'."

Jesus too used a 'velvet hammer'. When Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, the captains and elders of the temple took Him away to the high priest's home.  All of Jesus disciples disappeared, fearing for their lives—all but one.  Peter, the impetuous fisherman who often spoke before thinking, was in the courtyard.

At one time, he told Jesus he would follow Him wherever He went. Peter even vowed to die for his Lord. Now, sitting by a fire to warm himself, Peter was confronted by a servant girl. "This man was also with Him." Peter denied knowing Jesus. Sometime later, another said, "You also are one of them."  Peter again responded negatively - "Man, I am not!" Imagine the battle going on in Peter's heart. Concern and love vying for position against fear and doubt.

An hour or so later, another confidently affirmed saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." This time Peter began to curse and swear. "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" As he finished speaking, a rooster crowed. At that very time, the crowd dragging Jesus to the house passed by and Jesus looked at Peter. The velvet hammer struck Peter's heart. He went out and wept bitterly. Luke22:54-62

With just a look, Peter recalled the words of Jesus when He said, "Before the rooster crows you will deny Me three times." Fear had won the battle and now Peter was a broken man.

Dr. Dobson explained to the hurting youth that broken hearts could be mended with the love of Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus showed Peter that his broken heart could be mended too. Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" and when Peter really thought about it and from his heart of hearts said yes, Jesus said, "Feed My sheep."John 21:15-17

There are times when fear wins in our hearts too and we deny our Lord by silence, by going along with the crowd, by ignoring the still small voice of conviction or counsel. We can, however, rest assured, with heartfelt repentance and a desire to live for the Lord, we can be forgiven and the Lord will use us for His purposes. Praise God for the 'velvet hammer.' May we be in tune with the discipline of our heavenly Father and like Peter, move forward to do the work set before us.

-pat earl