Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment to victory. I. SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF WEAK BELIEVERS. 1. The metaphor of a " bruised reed" conveys the idea of(1) a state of weakness. He is weak in know. ledge, love, faith, joy, zeal, prayer. He laments his weakness. (2) A state of oppression. He feels himself crushed under a sense of guilt. 2. The metaphor of "smoking flax " conveys the idea of grace, true and sincere, but languishing and just expiring.Describe the reality of religion in a low degree. 1. The Christian feels an uneasiness, emptiness, anxiety within. 2. He is very jealous of the sincerity of his religion. 3. He retains direction and tendency toward Christ. Even the smoking flax sends up some exhalations of love towards heaven. II. THE CARE AND COMPASSION OF JESUS CHRIST FOR WEAK BELIEVERS. 1. The declarations and assurances of Jesus. 2. His people in every age have found these promises good. Hear David, "This poor man cried," etc. 3. Go to the cross and there learn this love and compassion. (President Davies.) Parallel Verses KJV: A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.WEB: He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. |
    |