When Isaiah described the Suffering Servant, he said that he would not break the bruised reed nor quench a smoldering wick. (cf. Is 42:3) When we see a bent flower stem in our garden, we tend to break it off and get over it with; the same with a candle whose wick is about to surrender to the mounting wax around it indicating that the candle is "done"; we tend to blow it out and finish the job "put it out of its misery." But not so with the Suffering Servant, Jesus. He doesn't break off the bruised reed, but allows it to continue as best it can. Perhaps it will revive and find new life; the wax can be dumped from the candle and the wick, now free again, will flare up with a bright flame, and continue to give light.
So it is with the many chances God gives us when we are "broken" or not producing our full potential...he gives us a chance to pick up and find new life. A lesson for us in the way we treat the "bruised reeds and smoldering candles" in our lives...family members, apparently "lost souls" to alcoholism or other addictions, and even our enemies. If God gives them a chance to bounce back, shouldn't we restrain our condemnation, or even better, HELP them get back on track?
Bro. Rene
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