A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench ...

Isaiah 42:3

The tide has changed. We face declining health and changes to daily living. The flame in our hearts sometimes flickers. I picture a candle wick dim and struggling. Does it need a gentle puff of air or a shield from too much air?

In this first servant song (Isaiah 42:1-9), Isaiah prophesies about the nature of the coming Savior. Our Servant-King will not snuff out the faint wick, the faltering faith. Instead, he will do the impossible: “faithfully bring forth justice,” God’s justice which makes us whole. The coming of our Savior reminds us that, in whatever condition we find ourselves, Jesus will bear us up and revive the flame of faith.

Judy Scherr
Lemay, MO

Dear God, you give us courage when we buckle, and raise us to reach for Jesus to find wholeness despite sin. Thank you for sending our Hope that lasts forever. Amen.

Reflect: Does age reveal the pitfalls easily ignored in youth?

Read: Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 12:18-21