a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench (Isaiah 42:3)
This verse first became meaningful to me during a time of crisis when I was in college so many years ago the remembrance of pain seems sharper than many of the details. The two images have stuck with me and grown as has the unseen image of one powerful enough to crush the almost destroyed, but also strong and tender enough to keep it alive.
So often I have relied on my Savior during the times I feel bruised, but forgotten Him when in full flower, neglecting the fact that I would have no life without Him. Many times, I have been so down I could not see myself as anything but a used wick with no visible spark, let alone warmth, only to congratulate myself when my flame is burning bright, as if the source of and only light.
But this is not about thankfulness or the lack of it. Or maybe it is. The prophet here, probably unbeknownst to him, is speaking of the character of the coming Messiah, an aspect of Our Lord’s identity already forgotten by most looking for Him by the time He came in the flesh. So it seems forgetfulness works both forwards and backward.
A paradox for believers is that when we most sense our need for God, it is hardest to see His grace. When we most think things are well, we ought to be mindful that life is perilous, that our candle can go out or relight at any moment. Because this is the nature of living in any period of time or season, we must be diligent in all states to stay connected (even when it feels impossible) to God and pray for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes, God, we are unaware of how close to broken we are. Sometimes, it is all we can see. In all times, Lord, help us to lean on You. Send us the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
