Verse of the Day 1/19

Verse of the Day 1/19    

Matthew 12:20-21  He won't break off a bent reed

    or put out a dying flame,
but he will make sure
    that justice is done.
²¹ All nations will place
    their hope in him."    Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Today's verses came up in yesterday's read through the New Testament plan.  These verses are a direct quote from Isaiah 42 and are Matthew's longest quote from the Old Testament and the words describe the character of Jesus and the work given to Him by the Father.

Reeds through the ages have been used in making the mouthpieces for musical instruments.  If it is cracked it will easily break and have to be discarded and replaced.  We're all familiar with a smoldering wick, picture a lamp or even a birthday candle.  A smoldering wick can be brought back to flame but is easily snuffed out.  How many of you remember seeing your grandfather snuffing out a wick with his fingers?  People in Jesus' day would be familiar with both images.

Charles Spurgeon writes, "Weak things are here described, yet Jesus says of them, "The smoking flax I will not quench; the bruised reed I will not break." Some of God's children are made strong to do mighty works for him; God has his Samsons here and there who can pull up Gaza's gates, and carry them to the top of the hill; he has a few mighties who are lion-like men, but the majority of his people are a timid, trembling race. They are like starlings, frightened at every passer by; a little fearful flock. If temptation comes, they are taken like birds in a snare; if trial threatens, they are ready to faint; their frail skiff is tossed up and down by every wave, they are drifted along like a sea bird on the crest of the billows--weak things, without strength, without wisdom, without foresight. Yet, weak as they are, and because they are so weak, they have this promise made specially to them. Herein is grace and graciousness! Herein is love and lovingkindness! How it opens to us the compassion of Jesus--so gentle, tender, considerate! We need never shrink back from his touch. We need never fear a harsh word from him; though he might well chide us for our weakness, he rebuketh not. Bruised reeds shall have no blows from him, and the smoking flax no damping frowns."

There may be times in our lives when we feel broken and bruised, especially in things surrounding this pandemic.  If you find yourself feeling that way, turn to Jesus.  He won't cast you away or snuff out the flame in your spiritual life.  Put your hope in Him and spread the word.

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
And love for the broken heart
And there is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus
Cry out to Jesus   (Third Day)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Matthew 12:15-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

God's Chosen Servant

¹⁵ Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all ¹⁶ and ordered them not to make him known. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
    my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
²⁰ a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
²¹     and in his name the Gentiles will hope."