The Jesus Bible Reading PlanNäide

HEALING THE BROKEN

Truth and justice can be wielded like a jackhammer; they can come with such force that even those who are eventual beneficiaries of these realities feel destroyed in their path. But this description of the servant of the Lord makes it clear that, though God’s Anointed One will indeed bring in these kingdom realities, he will not do so at the expense of the broken.

It is as true today as it was in Isaiah’s day that in the world there are many people who are hanging on by a thread: it might be a thread of faith, a thread of fragile health or a thread of hope. These people are bruised reeds, beaten down by their circumstances and their attempts at remaining faithful to God in their own broken world. God’s chosen One is for these people: for those who know what it means to mourn, to hunger, to thirst and to wait with patience. Consequently Jesus, this “chosen one” of whom Isaiah prophesied, did not withhold his power or compassion from those who were broken in body and spirit. Instead, he healed them. He brought — and still brings — justice to those who are overlooked and despised by the kingdom of this world.

Jesus, sometimes I feel like a bruised reed. Thank you for pouring out your compassion, mercy and healing power for each and every one of us. Amen.