TCN's Biblical Journey July 20th

Today's reading is Isaiah 42-46

Jesus doesn't extinguish the weak flame...

Isaiah is full of pictures of the coming Messiah. Here in the first part of Isaiah 42:3 is one of those word pictures which is quoted in Matthew 12:20. It is where we see a picture of the compassionate and meek (not weak) Messiah who care for those who have been broken by life.

There are two pictures here a bruised reed and a weak flame. The first sees evil/sin has caused injury, which it always does, but hasn’t destroyed completely. Here Jesus doesn’t reject outright this damaged individual. The second is the weak flame which seems to indicate a spark of goodness, but it isn’t where it should be possible because it is low on fuel. In this second there is a picture of Jesus not gently bring that person to where they need to be.

The church there has been a tendency to do one of these actions of Jesus but not the other. Either the damaged person is pushed aside as irredeemable or the weak flame is quenched by condemnation and guilt. I have seen both in my years in the church, but in the days, I live and amongst those, I associate it is the later which I see more. Those who feel they are burning brightly (usually measured by souls saved, ministry done, or money giving) lay guilt on those who aren’t measuring up to their standards. Yes, Jesus did at times use harsh words to get peoples attention, but his normal method was gentleness.

The goal is to not do one ministry of Jesus but to do both. Help those who are broken by sin and encourage those who aren’t living into their potential in Christ. This means a ministry to the sinner and the saint. To the church and to the world. Which is more important? 

Both.

A side note here: There are some people whom may have greater gifting to work with one group or the other. This isn’t wrong, God, after all, has placed different giftings in the church (1 Corinthians 12), but in a church, both should be in operation. Finally, don’t exalt more or despise those who are gifted differently as both are vital and both are part of Jesus’ ministry. 

Photo by Alex Holyoake on Unsplash