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Scripture:
Isaiah 42:1,3 Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him … A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.
Observation:
God is telling us, through Isaiah, that Jesus is full of the Spirit and that that fullness will result in the mercy, compassion, and encouragement of broken and struggling people.
A bruised reed – It is a great deal of work to stand a bruised reed upright, to stiffen it, and to wrap it and wait for it to heal. It’s much easier to break it off. I thank God that He takes the time and effort to heal and restore us rather than destroying us and moving on to the next.
Smoking flax – Fire is not easy to make without the right equipment. In ancient times, they would keep a small ember, smoking flax, alive in a box and blow on it to start a fire. God desires that His presence would be like a pillar of fire by night to lead us, and a fire on the inside to fuel our passion for Him and for what He has created us to do.
Application:
We must first show a heart of gratitude toward the merciful God that doesn’t crush us when we get bent out of shape, or when the fire dies down. We must then go to Jesus and allow Him to heal us, to bind us up and straighten us out by His word. We can ask Him to blow on the ember in our soul, that He would fan it back into flame.
We get bruised in the world and our fire dies as we separate from Him. Seek Him and He will restore your soul.
Prayer:
Lord, I need You. I thank You for Your goodness and mercy that is new every morning. Strengthen me by Your word and wrap me in Your love and presence. Holy Spirit breathe a revival into my soul that I may have a passion for Your, Your kingdom, and my purpose. Help me to be more like You and to be merciful and compassionate toward others. In Jesus name, amen.
Worship: