Advent · Day 12 · Thursday, December 10
A bruised reed
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one, in whom my soul delights. I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise his voice, or make it heard in the street. A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not snuff out; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
God introduces his servant, the one he delights in. You might expect a loud leader. Instead he will not shout in the street. He will not break a bruised reed or put out a wick that is barely burning.
A bruised reed is bent and nearly useless. A dim wick smokes more than it shines. That is how many people feel by December.
Matthew says this servant is Jesus (Matthew 12:18-21). He does not throw away what is damaged. If your faith is barely flickering, he is not standing over you to snuff it out.
Pray
Gentle Lord, I am more bruised than I let on. Thank you that you do not break what is bent. Keep my small flame burning. Amen.
Carry it today
Where do you feel bruised or burned out?