WHAT IS FLINT?
Flint is a steel-grey quartz in the family of rocks,which are usually very hard.Such rocks are normally found in the Middle East regions, mainly in Palestine.
During the ancient times,this rock was used for making tools such as knives,axes,jembes,hammers and the the tips of some weapons like spears and arrows,due to its hardness.
The term “flint” is used several times in the Bible.The following are verses showing instances where it has been used:
Joshua 5:2;
“At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.”
Job 28:9;
“He putteth forth his hand upon the rock;he overturneth the mountains by the roots.”
Isaiah 5:28;
“Whose arrows are sharp,and all their bows bent,their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind.”
Ezekiel 3:9;
“As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead;fear them not, neither be dismayed by their looks, though they be a rebellious house.”
Deuteronomy 32:13;
“He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields;and he made him to suck honey out of the rock,and oil out of the flinty rock.”
What spiritual implication does this rock reveal?
God desires that we should have our hearts set as hard as flint towards him.Like his only Son Jesus,who did not look back despite the terrible suffering,we need to remain faithful and committed wholeheartedly to God regardless of what we are going through.In Isaiah 50:7,we are told that Jesus’ heart remained as hard as flint even though he suffered.Likewise,we need to be steadfast in our love for God,not being quickly swayed away by any and every passing wind.When we are faced with tragedy,testing or difficulties, let’s be firm in our faith to God.
Isaiah 50:5-7;
“The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
I gave my back to the smiters,and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair:I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”
Despite the suffering,the Lord dared not to look back.He still trusted in God.God wants us to have this same attitude towards him.
Apostle Paul also exhibited this kind of faith in Christ Jesus.He had set his heart like the flinty rock.Even though he would be persecuted, ridiculed and humiliated by the unbelievers,yet he endured everything and did not waver in faith.At some point,he dared to say, that there is nothing which can separate him from the love of God in Christ.
Romans 8:39;
“Nor height,nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
What about us?Are our hearts like flinty rocks?Or are they like clay?
When tribulation comes,or when we are engulfed by troubles or hardships,how far are we willing to stand for what we believe?
May the Lord help us to trust himeven in times of hardships or trying times and make us to be steadfast in our love for him.
Shalom.