A Bruised Reed

 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.  (Romans 5:6-11 ESV).

 

The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus describing his compassion for others: 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 42:2-3 ESV). The “bruised reed” and the “faintly burning wick” are apt descriptions of each of us. This verse is echoed by the Apostle Paul in our reading today.

 

The Canons of Dort note that “our merciful God has promised not to snuff out a smoldering wick or break a bruised reed.” It says this to show God’s compassion and to encourage anyone who feels they are not doing very well in the new life they have in Christ. Anyone who is dealing with doubts or feeling like a failure should not despair and think they might lose their salvation. God’s mercy and grace go deeper than we could imagine. We were reconciled to God and saved in Christ “while we were God’s enemies.” And “if God is for us, who can be against us? . . . Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? . . . No one” (Romans 8:31-34).

 

Earlier in Isaiah, God is speaking to a worn-out, distressed people who need hope and encouragement. He wants to assure them of a change coming with the promised Messiah. This echoes an earlier image: “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Isaiah 40:11). Do you see the clear indication of what our nature ought to be toward anyone who is struggling in faith. Jesus had compassion for the weak and hurting. And if people had doubts and confusion, he gave assurance and encouragement. Compassion isn’t a weakness. It’s the power of grace that we too have received.

 

When we let contemporary or personal agendas push ahead of the needs and hurts of others we are not the reflection of Jesus. Look for those other “bruised reeds” and “faintly burning wicks” you can encourage today.