Day 32 - 40 Days of HOPE
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of HOPE
Day 32 | HOPE FOR ALL US BRUISED REEDS
40 Days of HOPE
Day 32 | HOPE FOR ALL US BRUISED REEDS
HOPE FOR ALL US BRUISED REEDS
Matthew 12:20-21
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew, after observing Jesus’ healing and doing good on the Sabbath – of which the “elite” Pharisees disapproved – quotes these verses from the words of Isaiah who prophesized the coming of Jesus Christ the Messiah.
In our society today, youthfulness and talent are applauded by the majority. So much so, that when a person reaches “a certain age,” they are no longer considered helpful for work or of value for anything other than retiring. The “elites” of Jesus’ day thus treated those people, and those without many talents, unfairly.
Back in that day, the “reed” was used by shepherds to fashion a small musical instrument that, once worn out and cracked (“bruised”), was considered useless. Similarly, a “smoldering wick” was also seen as worthless for giving light. These terms here represent people who are deemed useless by the world.
Matthew, in quoting Isaiah, reminds us that Christ’s work included RESTORING and REKINDLING such people… not to break or snuff them out. Christ had compassion towards the lowest, the weakest, and the lost. This upset the “elites” of that time (and the elites we have today), who believed that they were superior to others and just KNEW what was best for everyone.
But God, through Jesus Christ, desired to give HOPE to all the “bruised reeds” and “smoldering wicks.” Jesus came to be the Shepherd to all who were lost, humble, and open to Him… regardless of age, abilities, talents, or station in life.
That should bring great HOPE to all of us “non-elites” in this life. As verse 21 says (Amplified) - “And in His name, the Gentiles (all the nations of the world) will hope [with confidence].”
Prayer: LORD, I am so thankful that YOU came that I might have a real relationship with YOU regardless of whether the “elites” of our day approve or not. YOU are GOD, and in YOU, I put my faith, hope, and trust. Amen.
Matthew 12:20-21
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew, after observing Jesus’ healing and doing good on the Sabbath – of which the “elite” Pharisees disapproved – quotes these verses from the words of Isaiah who prophesized the coming of Jesus Christ the Messiah.
In our society today, youthfulness and talent are applauded by the majority. So much so, that when a person reaches “a certain age,” they are no longer considered helpful for work or of value for anything other than retiring. The “elites” of Jesus’ day thus treated those people, and those without many talents, unfairly.
Back in that day, the “reed” was used by shepherds to fashion a small musical instrument that, once worn out and cracked (“bruised”), was considered useless. Similarly, a “smoldering wick” was also seen as worthless for giving light. These terms here represent people who are deemed useless by the world.
Matthew, in quoting Isaiah, reminds us that Christ’s work included RESTORING and REKINDLING such people… not to break or snuff them out. Christ had compassion towards the lowest, the weakest, and the lost. This upset the “elites” of that time (and the elites we have today), who believed that they were superior to others and just KNEW what was best for everyone.
But God, through Jesus Christ, desired to give HOPE to all the “bruised reeds” and “smoldering wicks.” Jesus came to be the Shepherd to all who were lost, humble, and open to Him… regardless of age, abilities, talents, or station in life.
That should bring great HOPE to all of us “non-elites” in this life. As verse 21 says (Amplified) - “And in His name, the Gentiles (all the nations of the world) will hope [with confidence].”
Prayer: LORD, I am so thankful that YOU came that I might have a real relationship with YOU regardless of whether the “elites” of our day approve or not. YOU are GOD, and in YOU, I put my faith, hope, and trust. Amen.
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