For the Bruised Reed . . .
Matthew’s portrait of Jesus is captivating and beautiful.
He binds a bruised reed, instead of coldly snapping it off, in the hope that it will be restored. He fans a smoking candle wick, about to flicker out, back into flame. Matthew 12:20-21 tells us He will do this, “till he leads to victory [and] in His name the nations will put their hope.”
Many expected a conquering King who would come to judge the Earth with a certain, unavoidable display of power. And He will. But Jesus’ first coming was marked by mercy, the very opposite of harshness. This is good news for the bruised and broken among us.
Today, we must take His yoke and learn from Him who is gentle and humble in heart. And while we affirm justice, don’t forget that we also love mercy . . . and these are not a clash of virtues.
2 comments
Kristen | May 18, 2010
What a beautiful thought, though we may fall to sin, our Lord wants to bring us back to Him. To restore us by binding us to Himself-- the strong and perfect one-- we certainly cannot do it ourselves, but "[we] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [us]."-Philipians 4:13.
Sherill | May 19, 2010
I really can visualize the binding of a brokenness. What a gentle and caring gesture that encourages us back to the Lord instead of being afraid or too discouraged to approach Him. I have a new way to look at my children's fall into sin as well. Binding their brokenness and leading them to the Lord is a perfect picture for parenting.
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Cynthia | May 28, 2010
What a beautiful image of Jesus. Knowing that the Creator and King of Existence loves me to tenderly and mercifully helps to mend the brokenness & disappointment that this earthly life brings. Thank you for posting this!
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