““Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; my Chosen One in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. “He will not call out or shout aloud, nor make His voice heard in the street. “A broken reed He will not break off and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish. He will not harm those who are weak and suffering; He will faithfully bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:1-3 AMP).
In the Old Testament, Assyria, one of Israel’s enemies, was known for its cruelty. They were wicked and tortured those they conquered. Israel included.
One Assyrian King, Esarhadon said “all those not subservient to him, kings not subservient to him, he snapped like a marsh-reed, he subdued them under his feet.”
And likewise, the smoldering wick, made of flax fibers to light a lamp, would normally be discarded due to lack of usefulness.
But not so in under Christ’s rule. God in His mercy and grace promises to care for those who are weak and vulnerable.
Hope in a Broken Reed
Hope in a broken reed is evidence of God’s all-consuming grace. God’s grace is ever-present for the weak and struggling. A condition common to all at one time or another. Our Father knows our weak, human frailty and the difficulties we face in a fallen world.
Isaish prophesied of Christ’s coming and bringing justice. And along with that the promise of hope that He would save us and keep us in this dark world. He brings light to the darkness.
Like-wise there is hope in the neglected vineyard each spring. A new vine sprouts in the place of a once productive vine of years past. The vine will grow and produce once again with proper nutrients, training and care from the grape grower.
Like a broken reed or a smoldering wick, we need the Master’s touch. His love and compassion reaches far and wide for those in need of salvation, healing or help along life’s difficult paths.
The hope held in a sprouting vine is a beautiful reminder that God is reaching from heaven to touch our lives when tragedy strikes and we have nowhere to turn. Or an addiction beyond our power to break.
He hears our cry and does for us what we cannot for ourselves.
What an encouraging promise that He will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick.
Yet the world around us is broken and bruised. But God in heaven is near. Cry out to Him in your need. Then spread the goodness and hope of salvation available to all.
© 2025 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
If you have been enjoying the vineyard blogs, find more in my devotional:
I love this: “The hope held in a sprouting vine is a beautiful reminder that God is reaching from heaven to touch our lives … ” Thanks for sharing this post.
Thank you, RJ. Have a blessed week.