Matthew 12:20 (ESV)
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.”
DEVOTIONAL
The house was quiet, and the evening had stretched long. James sat at his kitchen table with a Bible open, but his heart felt heavy. Prayers had felt dry lately. He wondered if God had grown distant—or worse, if God had tired of him.
That’s when he came across today’s verse. It spoke of a Savior who doesn’t walk away from the weak. Jesus doesn’t break the bruised or quench the smoldering. He draws near. He’s gentle with the trembling heart and patient with those who can barely whisper a prayer.
The original image comes from the prophet Isaiah, speaking of the coming Messiah. In Matthew’s Gospel, it’s quoted to show how Jesus fulfills this promise. This is who He is. He doesn’t despise weakness. He tends to it like a shepherd with a wounded lamb.
Maybe you feel like your flame of faith is small—more smoke than fire. But remember this: Jesus is not in the business of discarding the faint. He strengthens the weary. He lifts the lowly. He knows your frame, and He never grows impatient with those who wait on Him.
So if you’re bruised, come. If your faith flickers, draw near. The One who was crushed for our iniquities knows how to care for the crushed in spirit. He will not break you. He will restore you.
Reflect:
Have you felt like your spiritual fire is flickering? How does knowing Christ’s gentleness toward the weak bring you hope?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are gentle and kind to the brokenhearted. When I feel small and weary, remind me that You do not cast me aside. Help me rest in Your mercy today. Amen.