A Bruised Reed: Letting Scripture Change You
The words, a bruised reed, denote that something crushed—pounded—bruised it. But what is the meaning of bruised reed? What do those words mean to a Christian living in a fallen world? How do we meditate on that scripture and let it change us?
This bruised reed verse sheds light on the phrase’s meaning.
Isaiah 42:3
A broken reed He will not break [off], and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish [He will not harm those who are weak and suffering]; and He will faithfully bring forth justice.
Jesus used this scripture in His ministry when healing a man on the Sabbath while religious leaders looked on in disdain. They couldn’t stand that Jesus reached out to the innocent in love and compassion while they operated by the letter of the law. They knew they weren’t like Him at all even though they couldn’t admit it. From then on, they discussed among themselves how they could destroy Him.
Some people treat others like they’re useless. Jesus doesn’t do that. He ignites a fire in your heart when you surrender your life to Him and makes you feel brand new! He doesn’t cast you aside like a bruised reed when you stray in a different direction. Jesus sees you as valuable and a worthy member of His family.
Matthew 12:18-21 (KJV)
Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
What Is a Bruised Reed?
River cane in Biblical days was used to make reed instruments such as the pipe and aulos (flutes). The instrument maker used only perfect reeds that didn’t have blemishes or bruises. The reason being an imperfect reed wouldn’t produce perfect sounds so they searched for the right plant. When they came upon a bruised reed, they broke it off and threw it away to continue looking look for the ideal specimen.
Reeds grow in marshland where birds land and fishermen hunt foul and other animals. Likewise, simple movements by the wind can easily bruise these delicate plants.
Isaiah compared us to bruised reeds because we’re fragile. Just know that God won’t be the one who harms those who are weak and suffering.
Reasons You Feel Like a Bruised Reed
Betrayals come in a myriad of ways: an unfaithful spouse, ill-spoken words, broken promises—to name a few. Additionally, sickness, poverty, and the death of loved ones cause deep wounds. Sometimes a glance or a social media comment makes someone feel slighted. You can even be bruised physically through abuse.
Similar to bruised reeds, we stand erect until something in life causes us to slump over unable to regain strength. Thankfully, Christians can get help with their pain because Jesus is more than willing as Savior and Lord to come to our aid.
The Image of a Bruised Reed Reveals Jesus’ Character
As the prophet exclaimed, people are as tender as reeds and burning wicks about to extinguish. Christians look to God for victory over injustices in place of seeking out other avenues for help or revenge. The meaning of Isaiah 42:3 anchors us in hope.
- You can trust God with your heart. That’s not entirely true with people. Even those who are trustworthy can’t match God’s standards of excellence. He knows every fiber of your being and overshadows your pain with love. People steamroll us. God doesn’t.
- Have you ever felt tossed away like a piece of crumpled paper? It’s a feeling not easily forgotten. When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death mentioned in Psalm 23, darkness surrounds you. Everyone has suffered some kind of mistreatment and wants justice to prevail. Jesus is the hero of your soul when you give Him your “bruises” and allow Him to heal your wounds.
- When Isaiah says that “a bruised reed He will not break”, he refers to Jesus’ gentleness and sensitivity. Once a dental assistant worked in my mouth with a heavy hand. I kept telling her she was using too much pressure. My mouth hurt for days. Conversely, Jesus tenderly gathers His lambs into His arms (Isaiah 40:11).
- Jesus won’t faint under the pressure to enact justice. Isaiah 42:4 – “He will not be disheartened or crushed [in spirit]; [He will persevere] until He has established justice on the earth, and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”
- No matter how weak you see yourself or how helpless you feel, Jesus is passionate about healing the brokenhearted, preaching good news to the poor, and setting free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, and crushed -Luke 4:18). Isaiah 42:3 portrays Christ as the Gospel message in action.
If You’re a Bruised Reed, What’s Next?
For the longest time, I didn’t trust God. He never gave me a reason to mistrust Him but I couldn’t release people from the hurts they caused. Consequently, I couldn’t move beyond unforgiveness thereby keeping me from running into God’s comforting arms as my secure haven of trust.
Decades passed and God encouraged me to trust Him. I forgave myself and others for being imperfect. I reached out to God as my Father. He never left and was still waiting! Once I did that, I learned that I couldn’t place Him on the same tier as humans because He never fails.
How about you? Did you pull away from God because people and life stepped all over your heart? Please don’t wait as long as I did to take a step forward toward God. You’ll be amazed as I was at how readily He responds to your calls of “Help me, Lord.”