Our God calls each of us by name
He formed, created you
He redeemed you – that’s why He came
“You’re mine” He says to you
And thru the trials I’ll be with you
I am your God today
Remember church that I love you
I’ll gather you someday
– From a sermon on Isaiah 42:18-43:7
(To the tune of the “Amazing Grace”)
God says, My Servant now behold
The One I keep and will uphold
My chosen in whom I delight
For He is precious in My sight
He will not break any bruised reed
Nor crush the one in desp’rate need
He calls to all who are weary
Come now and find your rest in Me
To all the world, He is the Light
He comes into the darkest night
Opens blind eyes that they might see
He comes to set the pris’ner free
So come to Him without delay
And let Him guide you on the way
And to no other give your praise
To Him alone your voices raise
– From a sermon on Isaiah 42:1-17
(To the tune of the “Doxology”)
A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.
– Isaiah 42:3
This verse about the Servant of the Lord is quoted in Matthew 12 in reference to Jesus.
Jesus will not break a bruised reed.
Jesus will not quench a faintly burning wick.
Jesus came not to break, but to bind up.
Jesus came not to snuff out, but to save.
Jesus came not to harm, but to heal.
Perhaps you are bruised this morning.
You may be bruised by your own sinful actions. Jesus invites you to come to Him and find mercy, forgiveness, cleansing.
You may be bruised by chasing idols that have left you empty, without meaning, without hope. Jesus invites you to come to Him and find a new life with a new meaning and a new hope.
You may be bruised by what others have done. Jesus invites you to come to Him and find refuge, rest, comfort, and peace.
Perhaps you are a faintly burning wick this morning.
Faint and weary, you may be flickering, smoldering – and you are not sure you can go on. Jesus invites you to come to Him and relight your flickering wick in the flame of his fire. He invites you to look to Him to renew your strength.
Are you bruised? Are you faint? Jesus invites you to draw near to Him.
Brian J. Mikul 