My Paisley Chair

In a world where it seems there is a “Bull in EVERY china closet”, Jesus comes gently alongside to the bruised, broken and almost snuffed out with tenderness and compassion!

Isaiah 42:3 and Matthew 12:20 “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench.”

I’ve taken comfort in this verse for years because it speaks to me of the gentleness of Jesus. He cares deeply for people and things that are broken, bruised, past their prime, or ready to give up – things that are lackluster, like broken branches and flickering flames.

Bruised Reeds

It wouldn’t take much to break a bruised reed. Without support, it may not survive a deep bruise; even the slightest breeze could snap it in two. Similarly, people can be easily broken unless someone comes alongside them to offer support while they weather the storms of life. A shoulder to lean on or a listening ear can bring healing to a damaged soul.

Many people come to know Jesus at just such a point in their life. Jesus comes alongside them, propping them up as they heal from deep wounds. Without His care, they might lose hope altogether, remain broken, or even despair of life itself.

What a picture of compassion, tender mercy, and extraordinary gentleness of Jesus! Scripture says He came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18 & Isaiah 61:1). Consider this: if He will not break a reed, which is here today and gone tomorrow, how much more grace and compassion will He lavish upon an eternal soul. Surely, He will stay close and care for those with wounded emotions, fractured personalities, troubled hearts and anxious minds.

Smoldering Embers

The other example of Jesus’ tenderness is seen in His treatment of a smoking flax or smoldering embers. If there is yet a faint glow, or a bit of heat in the coal, there is hope for a future blaze. Jesus will neither snuff it out or flood it with water. There are times when passion that burned bright at first has dwindled to little more than a wisp of smoke, no longer a roaring fire, maybe no flame at all.

While furiously working the bellows on my fireplace I noticed blowing too hard on a glowing ember can extinguish it out all altogether. A gentle puff or fan works better.

When the bulk of my “living sacrifice” is consumed and the fire needs fanning or more fuel, I pray “Lord, blow across the embers of my heart, stir me again until I am ablaze for the things that please You.”  And Jesus comes.

He sees me and He knows!

Wounds and waning passion may go unnoticed by casual observers and even close friends. Our struggles can be hidden, explained away or ignored. But Jesus, full of compassion and tender mercy, gently comes alongside the broken hearted and drifting believer.

Jesus knows me better than anyone and is aware of my tendency to pull away. When I feel damaged or diminished, I retreat into isolation. So today I pray, “Jesus come close to the bruised and battered places in my life and hold me close while I heal. Give me the courage to press into Your presence when I need more fuel on my fire.”

What does the Bible say? (scriptures referenced)

Isaiah 42:3 and Matthew 12:20 “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench.”

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.”

Questions I ask myself:

• Have I experienced Jesus’ gentleness during times of brokenness?
• How can I create space for Jesus to come alongside or do I need to lean into His presence?
• What has caused my passion to fade and what can I do to rekindle the fire in my heart?
• Is there someone that needs me to show them the gentleness of Jesus while they are struggling?

Until next time…