“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope” (Isaiah 42:1-4).
There are three aspects I find very encouraging in these prophetic verses about Jesus. First, he will not break or crush a bruised reed. What is this reed? A reed is like a branch, and, remember, we are the branches–he is the vine (John 15:5). Jesus will not break us off; instead, he will handle us tenderly, allowing his life to flow into us to heal and restore our wounds.
Secondly, “a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” Do you sometimes feel like your life is simply smoldering? Only a few embers left. You were on fire when you were young–full of life and adventure. Now, your life seems on the verge of being snuffed out by panic and fear. Jesus did not come to snuff you out. He can take that glowing wick, and cause a new flame to burn in your heart, lighting the way for others.
Finally, “he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” Do you know what that means? Jesus is not discouraged with you. You may feel like a failure, but Jesus will not falter or be discouraged with you. He is for you. He is on your side.
Today, be encouraged that Jesus’ life is pulsing through your veins. The Holy Spirit is beginning to blow on those smoldering embers, ready to ignite a new fire in you–a fire not of fear and panic, but of joy and peace. A fire to love him more and to accomplish things beyond your imagination. He has high hopes for you. You can put your hope in him.
Prayer: Father, thank you that even before I began to delight in you, you delighted in me. Thank you that you will always handle me with care and will employ your Spirit to breathe new fire into my soul. Help me to place my hope in you, never becoming discouraged to the point of quitting.
