Jesus is the GENTLE CONQUEROR in Isaiah
42:3-4. "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not
snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or
be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the nations will
put their hope."
Here is a picture of a Gentle Conqueror who will not mistreat even a bruised reed. People in Isaiah’s day knew exactly what Isaiah was talking about, but this requires a bit of explanation for us. Reeds were used for various purposes … including making flutes … but they weren’t useful if they were damaged in any way. Typically, a bruised reed would be broken in pieces and cast aside, but the prophecy says the Messiah would be so gentle that he would not break even the seemingly useless reed.
Here is a picture of a Gentle Conqueror who will not mistreat even a bruised reed. People in Isaiah’s day knew exactly what Isaiah was talking about, but this requires a bit of explanation for us. Reeds were used for various purposes … including making flutes … but they weren’t useful if they were damaged in any way. Typically, a bruised reed would be broken in pieces and cast aside, but the prophecy says the Messiah would be so gentle that he would not break even the seemingly useless reed.
The prophecy also says, a smoldering wick he
will not snuff out. When a lamp ran low on oil, the wick would start
smoldering. The easiest way to deal with that was to simply snuff it out. Then
you could add some oil and relight it. But the prophecy lets us know that the
coming Messiah would be so gentle that he would not snuff out the flickering
wick. Instead, he would take the extra care to slowly add the oil while
continuing to protect the weak flame until it burned brightly again.
Both of these word pictures of the bruised reed
and the smoldering wick show an amazingly Gentle Conqueror who gives care to
those who are weak and wounded. A true Hero is a Gentle Conqueror who shows
both power and compassion. The ONE who perfectly meets this standard is Jesus
Christ: He is the Peaceful Warrior, the Gentle Conqueror, and the Prince of
Peace.
Isaiah’s prophecy concludes by saying that He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. What we see here is an Unwavering commander, a Mighty warrior, an Invincible conqueror. As the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ has all the power of the Universe – and more. Yet, this Gentle Conqueror takes time to care for the wounded and the broken --- for those whose flame is barely flickering. Jesus is the Gentle Savior, humble and caring, but He is also the Invincible Conqueror. He will never compromise with evil, but He will conquer evil with good.
This was the hope of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow when he wrote the following words of faith and hope:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.”
In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that you in my you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, and He will prevail. Indeed, we serve under a Captain who has never lost a battle.
Isaiah’s prophecy concludes by saying that He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. What we see here is an Unwavering commander, a Mighty warrior, an Invincible conqueror. As the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ has all the power of the Universe – and more. Yet, this Gentle Conqueror takes time to care for the wounded and the broken --- for those whose flame is barely flickering. Jesus is the Gentle Savior, humble and caring, but He is also the Invincible Conqueror. He will never compromise with evil, but He will conquer evil with good.
This was the hope of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow when he wrote the following words of faith and hope:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.”
In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that you in my you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, and He will prevail. Indeed, we serve under a Captain who has never lost a battle.
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