A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory."
(Matthew 12:20)
In this verse, Matthew quotes an excerpt from the prophet Isaiah (42:1-4), which presents the promised servant of the Lord. The evangelist pointed out that Jesus was that loving and merciful Messiah, who preferred to heal and help people without the spotlight of fame. He chose not to use force or violence against his opponents. Jesus fulfilled his mission with kindness, patience, humility, and gentleness, and in the same way, He calls us to follow His example.
Jesus does not crush the broken and fragile person who has almost lost faith and hope. Regardless of your condition of weakness or failure, Christ does not destroy those who seek a second chance. The Lord’s merciful attitude refuses to extinguish a “smoldering wick,” meaning He does not quench the last bit of light that remains in a broken heart.
Instead, the Son of God desires to heal and restore the weak and downtrodden who come to Him. If you feel this way today, if you recognize your condition as someone who has gone astray and fallen, come to Jesus. He will not reject you, because His justice triumphs. Believe and seek Him in spirit and truth.
Jesus restores the weak and wounded
Believe in Jesus as the only means for a real transformation of your life.
Nothing that you or others can do will bring as much satisfaction as truly deciding for Christ in your heart.
Acknowledge your weaknesses, failures, and suffering, and surrender it all to God in prayer.
Seek to learn more about Jesus, His life, His work, and His will through the reading of the Holy Bible.
Just as God treats you with patience and kindness, follow Jesus' example and love the other "bruised reeds" and "smoldering wicks."
To pray:
Lord, my God, thank you for granting me a second chance every time I fall or falter. I acknowledge that I am a failure and that I have strayed from You, but You are the merciful, patient, and just God! Help me trust in You, not letting the flame of faith and hope go out in my heart. Lord Jesus, I want to return to my first love, reevaluate my values, and rebuild a sincere friendship with You. Teach me to be more like You, gentle and humble in heart. Renew me and restore me, Lord! In the name of Jesus, amen.