His Mercy

MATTHEW 12:20,
"A bruised reed shall he not break, and a
smoking flax shall he not quench, till he
send forth judgement unto victory."

MATTHEW 12:15-21,
MARK 3:7-19,
LUKE 6:12-16

One of the ways in which God's goodness is
revealed is in mercy.
We may describe mercy as the readiness of
God to relieve the misery of fallen creatures.
Many times, mercy is called compassion or
lovingkindness.

The "reed" referred to in this passage is
probably speaking of the reeds that grew in
the marshy areas in the land of Palestine.
These were very fragile and could be easily
bruised or broken.
The term "smoking flax" refers to a linen
wick which was made from flax and burned
brightly when floating on oil in an open lamp.
However, when the oil was depleted, the flax
would just smoke until the oil was replenished.

The meaning of these illustrations is that
Jesus is ministering in mercy to those who
have been bruised or broken (Luke 4:18),
and to those who have lost their oil (spirit).
He has come to fill them (Matthew 5:3;
Acts 1:5; 2:4).

The Jews were used to the judgment of the
law but Jesus came to minister grace and
truth (John. 1:17), even to the Gentiles
(Matthew 12:18, 21).

God's mercy to the believer is revealed by
His act of taking away the misery of sin's
consequences through the New Covenant
of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation is given to us because of God's
mercy.
It's not something we've merited or earned.
As Paul states, "Not by works of righteous-
ness which we have done, but according to
HIS MERCY He saved us" (Timothy. 3:5).

God is for you, not against you.
Cast all of your care upon Him, because His
mercy endureth forever!