A Bruised Reed
Start
Isaiah describes a servant of God so gentle that he will not snap a cracked reed or put out a lamp wick that is barely smoking.
Read Together
Isaiah calls this person “my servant.” Matthew quotes these verses and says they describe Jesus (Matthew 12:17–21).
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. 4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
10Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
What It Teaches
A reed with a crack in it is no good for building, and a wick that only smokes gives no light. Most people would toss both. The Lord’s servant keeps them and works with them. That is how Jesus treats people who are hurt or worn out. Verse 2 adds that he does this without shouting in the street.
In chapter 43 the Lord gives us the same title: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen.” A witness tells what they have seen. We serve him when we treat hurting people the way he has treated us.
Talk About It
When has someone been gentle with you when you felt like a bruised reed? Who could you treat that way this week?
Take to Church
Jesus keeps and heals what is bruised, and his servants do the same.