December 15 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

The Old Testament describes the coming Messiah as a mighty conqueror but also as a gentle pastor and a compassionate friend. "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young" (Isaiah 40:11). By strength Christ will redeem his people, but he will not despise what is weak: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."

A reed is certainly not a symbol of strength. A bruised reed is a sign of utter weakness. The light of a wick can be put out by a draft of wind. A smoldering wick is quenched by a mere puff of air. These figures of prophecy refer to people who have little vigor.

The good news is that when the glorious Messiah comes, he will be concerned with these weaklings. He will spare them and save their trembling lives.

The New Testament explains that this prophecy found fulfillment in the quiet ministry of Jesus to poor and sick people. He turned to those for whom we have no time. And he gave a great deal of attention to sick, small, weak, unimportant people.

What a surprise, and what good news for most of us! We, who are so impressed by power, must learn that Jesus turned to the helpless. We, who are inclined to pray that our children will get straight "A"s must remember that Jesus' tender mercy was poured out on those who would never rise to the top of the class.

The church must be very careful how it deals with those who are weak. If they are made to feel that they don't really belong because they cannot be heroes of faith and powerful in the Spirit, we are doing something wrong. Misfits and failures are welcome in the church, and they may require much of our time. Remember Christ's patience with them: A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

REFLECTIONS

Pray specifically for someone you know who needs special care and attention from you and the church.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.