A Bruised Reed

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. (Isaiah 42:1-3 ESV).

Just one more thought of encouragement for our consideration continues in Jesus’ teaching from Matthew, chapters 11-12. He quotes from our reading today to the disciples concerning “the bruised reed.” Jesus uses it to encourage and comfort us. When Jesus finds us, we are often bruised reeds. Our circumstances, whether self-induced or not, may be close to destroying us. These circumstances may have at least destroyed our peace of mind. As a result of these wounds we may have acquired a bitterness and resentment which have produced further injury. Jesus did not crush the bruised reed. He came not as a judge, but rather as a healer and savior. This is also true of “the smoldering wick.” This is a reference to the person who has little love left. Once perhaps there was a flame, once they may have felt loved by God; however, there have been so many disappointments in life that trust has become almost non-existent and loving relationships almost impossible. No one can live without love. Jesus wants to fan the smoldering wick into flame again. And, only Jesus can demonstrate ultimate strength and then apply that same unique strength in the most tender of ways. The same Jesus who has the power not only to throw down tables in the temple courtyard, or to expel demons from the possessed, or even to call a dead man out of a grave, this Jesus also has the capacity to show tenderness to those who are most delicate and fragile. There was none stronger than Jesus. He was fearless before those who opposed him. He never once hesitated to say what needed to be said, even when he knew it would provoke violent opposition. He confronted those who needed to be called out. And he claimed victory over sin and death. This was no weak man. And yet, in Jesus, enormous strength does not lead to insensitivity. The capacity to challenge and confront doesn’t lead to unnecessary conflict. He can crush a serpent, but he can also hold the most delicate in his care. The arm with which this God effects his mighty rule is the same arm which gathers up the lambs. The God who can level mountain ranges and topple superpowers is the same God who carries the weakest and most tender close to his heart. If you are that bruised reed today, come to Him! His burden really is light… His way will lead to rest!