“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” – Proverbs 27:17 (AMP)
Last year, I encountered a movie named “The Forge.” I was given the opportunity to watch it, and I was impressed by the simplicity of discipleship amongst a few men. Jesus deliberately discipled twelve men of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and beliefs – an action that communicated all are welcome, like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). She felt so included and welcomed that she began the first evangelist movement by running to her townspeople, stating, “Come see a man…” (John 4:29).
But you may be asking why a forge. In a forge, extreme heat is applied to metal in order to make it malleable. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit becomes that forge that forms us into vessels of righteousness. He uses various challenges to break us, melt us, and form us into unique servants of God.
The Holy Spirit works within us, teaching and burning off the dross of hurt, illness, sickness, and deeply rooted sin. We are encouraged in Hebrews 12:1 -2 (NKJV) to lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
As believers, we must be intentional about totally submitting to the Holy Spirit as He speaks, nudges, and trains our hearts to be servants of the Living God. May you walk as a perfect disciple of God.
Read: Ephesians 6:11; Philippians 1:27
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 85:1-7; Romans 2:1-16; Jonah 1; Jonah 2; Jonah 3; Jonah 4