A Bruised Reed

A Bruised Reed

Isaiah 42:3 was one of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's most cherished texts — and he quoted it often in his pastoral letters from prison. He was writing to people who were worn down by fear, by grief, by the weight of the Nazi regime. A bruised reed — nearly broken but still somewhat intact. A smoldering wick — nearly extinguished but still barely alight. These are the people the Servant will not break and will not snuff out. Bonhoeffer wrote: 'Jesus does not come to add to what is already too heavy. He comes to hold what is about to break and breathe on what is about to go out.'

Isaiah 42:3 is part of the first Servant Song — a description of the One who will bring justice to the nations 'without shouting or raising his voice' (verse 2). The combination of the global scope (justice to the nations) and the specific gentleness (not breaking or snuffing) describes the paradox of the Servant's approach. The methods of God's justice are not the methods of the world's power: they are tender, protective of the fragile, careful with what is barely holding on. Matthew quotes this verse in connection with Jesus' healing ministry (Matthew 12:20). If you are a bruised reed today — nearly broken — or a smoldering wick — barely alight — this is the promise: He will not break you. He will not snuff you out.