PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 12:15-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Matthew 12:20)
A damaged reed is very fragile, a smoldering wick is almost burnt out.
Two examples of people barely hanging on, ready to crash.
I know many bruised reeds and smoldering wicks.
Too often we’re impatient with such people, frustrated by their weakness.
Jesus – God’s promised Savior – is not like that.
He does not shoo away or shame the broken, the hurting, the desperate.
“Till he has brought justice through to victory.” (Matthew 12:20)
God through Jesus is determined to restore the bruised and weary.
He has a better day planned, He will not quit until He finishes.
If you are experiencing depression, some may challenge your lack of faith.
But not Jesus, He will not break your bruised soul.
He will not douse your embers, snuff out what little light remains.
The world may not stand by you, but He is standing with you.
Put your hope in Him, He will bring justice through to victory!
PRAYER
Lord, when everyone else is beating us down, You lift us up. I pray especially for the bruised souls I know, who need to feel and know Your healing presence.
I am reminded to be humble in my actions and in service. To be gentle in both words and actions, I will put my hope in the justice of the Lord, not what I can achieve with my hands.
Jesus served humbly – he laid low – avoided the ‘popularity and political circuit’. Yet he spoke to the injustices of his day particularly for the poor and needy – the widows and cheated. Jesus knew how the religious leaders felt about him – upsetting their authority and power. He knew who believed him – and He healed so many who followed him. For me, I’m powerless on my own – but I find my confidence in Him. Help me to serve humbly and in His strength alone – each day. Help me not pass by those who are weak today but find the way to serve them.
In his name the nations will put their hope (Matt 12:21). Lord Jesus I am calling on your name now. I ask for wisdom and strength o Holy Spirit that I may finish the tasks and plans I have. Lord Jesus you are my hope for direction as your ambassador among my classmates.and their families. Lord I don’t know how to put into words all my concerns now but you know them all. And so in your name Jesus my Lord I put my hope and that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Holy Spirti help me to be still and know that you are God and give me wisdom and strength to finish what needs to be done today at home, work and personal concerns.