The bruised reed

“A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” - Isaiah 42v3


In 1630 Richard Sibbes wrote a marvellous little book called “The Bruised Reed.” In this book Sibbes details and explains in a very clear and succinct manner how Jesus, as the servant, never break the bruised reed or quenches the smoking flax on those who are weak and oppressed.

I am touched by His compassion and the example He sets for us. I think sometimes we are too fast to cut off those who are weak and who stumble in their faith. We may not think they are worth the trouble or that they are too much work. Sibbes paints a beautiful picture of how Jesus seeks to heal the bruised reed and fan the flames of the smoking flax so that they are once again usable.

May we follow His pattern. When we encounter the “bruised reed and smoking flax” may we treat them with tender care instead of hasty dismissal.