A Bruised Reed

4 February 2015

"Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; and charged them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."(Matthew 12:14-21)

A "bruised reed" is a person who is broken by sin and cast down. He needs healing, peace, and comfort. Jesus does not threaten with hell those who are broken and sick of sin. He declares unto them that the judgment of God HAS come, but not against them. God will deliver them because judgment will be meted out against the Son. 

The gospel should reflect Jesus. His character while here is how the gospel should be presented. He didn't threaten a single sin-sick soul with hell. He bound them up and encouraged them. 

The gospel is not a warning that judgment is coming. It is a declaration that the judgment has been made and the elect are justified in Christ. And if God has justified them, who can lay anything to their charge?

The gospel should be the message of victory. Jesus has won the field and we are more than conquerors!

Bryce Lowrance

Elder Bryce Lowrance

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