“A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. (Isaiah 42:3)
This great passage is found in the midst of Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies. “My servant” (vs.1) is God’s servant, the Messiah. We know this prophecy had a specific reference to Jesus from an account found in Matthew’s gospel (Mt.12:15-21).
Isaiah, in very vivid terms, speaks of the nature of the Messiah’s ministry. He tells us that it would be 1) universal in scope ministering to the Gentiles, 2) based upon truth, and 3) without much fanfare. These promises were certain and sure because the God who “created the heavens” foretold these things.
In anticipation of the Messiah, one would look forward to the gentle nature of his ministry. He would come ministering to the weak and the outcasts. The figures found in verse 3 are proof of this. The “bruised reed” and the “smoking flax” represent the kind of people toward whom God is patient.
The reed grew in river marshes and was used for making writing instruments. They were so plentiful that a broken reed was considered worthless. The flax was used as a wick in a lamp. When it gave off more smoke than light it was snuffed out and thrown away. Those two pictures represent those to whom Jesus ministers! He will mend the reed and fan the flax – hoping for a flame! He is so tender and so patient with us. God isn’t through!
When counseling a weak brother, remember the exhortation of Paul – “support the weak”. (I Thess.5:14) When we are down on ourselves we must remember the patience of Jesus! He still cares and is still “working’ on me”.
By George Slover |
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