Tonight in cell, one of the passages we came across was Matthew 12:18-21, where he quotes from Isaiah 42. I was especially struck by verse 20:
"A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory."
I love the message of hope in that picture of His grace towards us.
As I see it, a smouldering wick is a candle which has gone out. It should be snuffed out because it won't relight itself. This is not a weak and feeble flame we're talking about, it's one that's pretty much dead! It's gone out, hopeless. And yet Jesus still sees the possibility of life.
The way I read this verse, it's an encouragement that Jesus sees hope and the potential of a life burning brightly, even when just the smallest wisp of smoke remains. He won't snuff us out because He hasn't given up on us. The only reason not to snuff out the smouldering wick is if you're intending to relight it.
James also used this verse to remind us that God doesn't mind using the bruised reeds. He won't break the reed because it's useless - in fact He delights in taking the dodgiest raw materials to accomplish his plans!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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2 comments:
That's really interesting. I had never quite thought of the extent of the illustration. It's so easy sometimes to skip over things and not take in their fullness of meaning and importance. Thanks Clare!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to know who you are though... or is it a mystery? Hmm... perhaps a secret admirer? (I live in hope ;-)
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