A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench. ~Matthew 12:20/Isaiah 42:3 (ESV)
I was introduced not long ago to this verse and concept, and it is a very foundational truth we should all remember. We are all like bruised reeds and smouldering wicks--things that are faded and worn, ready to give out at a moment's notice. Because of our sin, we often seem quite useless to God, especially those who have fallen away from the faith. It would make sense for God to let the reed snap or to put out the dying flame of our lives, but he doesn't. He didn't. Jesus came instead to reignite that flame and reinforce that reed. It doesn't matter how bruised and broken we are, Jesus can still use us.
"A spluttering wick can be made to burn more brightly. Sometimes all
that is necessary is for the oil in the lamp to be replenished....A smouldering wick may give a little light in a hostile environment. It can be used by Jesus to light other lamps." ~John Reed
We should recognize our constant and recurring need for God's grace in our lives each morning, and we should have realistic expectations of others, a hope in the potential they have, no matter how lost they may be. No one is ever too far gone.
Whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ~John 6:37b (NIV)
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