“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 finished! 

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 us”.
  
By George Slover  

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Modern corporations and organizations often use mission statements to motivate its team members.  The New Testament is full of such statements for disciples of Christ.  The verses above contain thoughts that should inspire us.   Paul states that this is his “calling”. (vs. 14)  It is a “heavenly calling”.

Paul’s mission statement is marked by strong “purpose words”: “I press on” (vs.12); and “this one thing I do”. (vs.13). A magnifying glass, when used to focus the rays of the sun on a flammable object, is potent.  Such a concentration of power is able to start a forest fire!  Here Paul with, one specific, single goal in his mind, is pressing on, hastening to run the race.  He is determined to remove all of the distractions, and to aim all his energy toward the goal.

What is Paul’s goal?  In verse 14 he calls it the “mark”.  We might think of the “mark” as a target or moral end.  In verse 12 he tells us his target is complete maturity in Christ.  A previous verse (vs.10) spells out the specific goals: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”.  In summary, Paul’s mission was to grow in Christ-likeness.  It is the mark of perfect holiness.  Everything else in life must be subservient to this goal.  Every step must bring us closer to Christ in character and fellowship.

Just how does Paul plan to reach his goal?  First, he must forget the past.  Past attainments can give one a false sense of security.  Past regrets can discourage one from persevering. Thus, one must not look back, but forge on.  Second, he must reach forward.  It is like an athlete stretching toward the goal with all of his energy.  Any growth in holiness and self-denial will require such persistence.

Paul’s heavenly calling is our calling as well.  His mission must be our mission.  Print out this verse and post it on the refrigerator door.  God is calling us to heavenly things.  In the end, our pursuit of such attainments will make life worth living and God will give us the crown.

By George Slover

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." (Luke 1:1-3

One of my greatest challenges as scribe and preacher is to help the story of Jesus come to life in the hearts of the readers.  It was for this very purpose that Luke recorded his account of the incredible life of Jesus.

At the close of the 19th-century skepticism swept over the British Isles.   Among the skeptics was a brilliant young scholar by the name of William Ramsay.  He was an agnostic, who wanted to disprove the accuracy of the Bible.

Sir William Ramsay went to Asia Minor as an archaeologist to disprove Luke’s accuracy.  His conclusions are recorded in Josh McDowell’s book, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pg. 74:  “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense…In short, this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.”  Ramsay’s discoveries changed him from skeptic to believer.

The purpose of Luke’s gospel is both literary and spiritual.  From the literary viewpoint, Luke sets the life of Jesus within the context of institutions, customs, geography, and historical characters of the time.  From the spiritual viewpoint, he plainly presents the person of Jesus Christ as the perfect man and Divine Savior of the world.  Jesus really was God in the flesh!

As one reads through Luke’s gospel he must be impressed with the powerful life of Jesus.  Luke wants the reader to grasp the authority and graciousness of the master teacher.  He presents Jesus as a God who wishes to extend his help, mercy, and love to mankind.  The thrilling account of those who witnessed Jesus after his death and resurrection reminds the reader of how much Christ offers.

Have you been moved by Jesus lately?  Take time to read the gospel of Luke.  It could be a spiritually life-changing experience!

By George Slover 

Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."’” (Luke 2:10-11)
 
This was the great declaration concerning the birth of Jesus.  Note some of the features of this announcement.
 
First, they proclaimed “good tidings of great joy”.  They proclaimed Jesus, the one who is the very secret to peace and joy.  It is an inner joy and peace that one can have even when the storm rages.  It is the peace of knowing that I can be forgiven and the conscience freed of the guilt of sin.
 
Second, the declaration was made for the benefit of “all people”. This Savior is for all men, those of every nation.  “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
(Revelation 22:17)  No matter the nationality or social status, Jesus loves them all.  With all the flaws and blemishes, He still cares for them.
 
Third, they told of the humility of the Messiah.  He was born of humble circumstances – born in a manger, to a common peasant woman, a carpenter’s son.  His life even takes on greater meaning when it is given in pain and when God bring Him back to life again!  Paul says, "Christ was “delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”" (Romans 4:25)
 
Fourth, they declared that he who was born was the  “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  An angel declared to Joseph, “"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)  He is the Christ, the anointed one of God.  He is Lord and he wants to be your Lord and your Savior.
 
The magnitude and meaning of this simple story is personalized by Paul’s words, “"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"” (Romans 7:24-25)   We must thankful that Christ was born, for through Him life has meaning and joy!
 
By George Slover   

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.  (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

The apostle has spoken clearly of the coming of the Lord. Christ will return at an unannounced time. Some will say “peace and safety“ and be unprepared. Thus, we are exhorted to be vigilant.

Such watchfulness is of no avail without the proper armor. The people of God are engaged in a war. The believer, like any good soldier, must engage in the hardships of the battle with the necessary character and armor to win.

Both the breastplate and the helmet are defensive weapons. One of them protects the heart and the other protects the head. Paul connects these two pieces of armor with the fundamental characteristics of faith, love, and hope. 

Faith is the principal part of our spiritual armor. Trusting the Lord will give us the courage to fight. It is by faith that we resist the devil, overcome difficulties, and overcome the world. (1 John 5:4,5) The soul that trusts Christ is fixed and steadfast. His spiritual heart is protected.

Paul also uses the breastplate to characterize love. The Bible says we are to love God with all of our heart. It is a longing for fellowship with him, and the desire to please him because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) Such love preserves us from the selfishness through which evil can enter our hearts. It is the bond of perfection that knits us together and enables us to survive an evil world.

The hope of salvation sustains us with the courage to endure the trials. It is that motivator that keeps us moving closer to God.  The hope of salvation will guard our minds from the idle dreams and worldly ambitions that can distract us from what is truly important.

These three vital traits prepare the soldier of Christ to engage in the battle. One day Christ will return.  Through faith, love, and hope, the soldier of Christ will be ready.  

By George Slover