December 8: Isaiah 42:1-4 / Matthew 12:18-21

Advent is a time of great anticipation, when we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. We look back on the prophecies that have been fulfilled by Jesus. These familiar passages remind us of the hope that we have in the midst of great trials in our lives. Advent is a time to remind ourselves of our need for Jesus. It is a time to remember that we are not sufficient in ourselves, but that we need a savior. The good news is that Jesus is that Savior. He is the one who seeks and saves the lost.

In our passage today, we can find great comfort that we are the bruised reed and the faintly burning wick. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by healing the weak and the wounded and the sick and the sore. He fulfills it completely by saving not the strong and the mighty, but the weak. Jesus does not break the bruised reed and does not extinguish the burning wick. This should fill us with great joy in the midst of our weakness and brokenness that Jesus will not crush us, but instead He was crushed for us.

Jesus came for those who will humble themselves and admit their need for Him to save them. Those who will recognize that they are not a strong and mighty oak or a blazing fire, but instead know that they are the bruised reed in need of healing and the faintly burning wick in need of fuel to flame.


Pastor Jim Peterson

Bethel Baptist – Ellison Bay 



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