Hope For All

Matthew 12:20-21
“A battered reed He will not break off,
And a smoldering wick He will not put out,
Until He leads justice to victory,
And in His name the Gentiles will hope.” (NASB)

Here the apostle Matthew is quoting the words of God through the prophet Isaiah to demonstrate (contrary to the typical Jewish belief) that the Messiah would not arrive with political agendas, military campaigns, and with great fanfare, but with a gracious and gentle touch—giving hope to the entire known world. Shepherds used the reed to make their flutes, but once cracked or worn it became useless for making music. A smoldering wick is also deemed useless for giving light. These two examples represent people who were also deemed useless to the world. Our Savior, the Jesus Christ, came to restore and rekindle such people, not to break or quench and throw away. We find in these verses words that speak of His tender compassion toward the lowliest of the lost. He did not come to gather the strong for a revolution, but to show mercy and grace to the weak and hopeless.
Simply knowing who our mighty and loving God is, can and will bring joy to anyone no matter who you are or what your circumstances may be. The coming of our Lord, Christ Jesus (Luke 2:11), to save the lost and hopeless and to redeem His people (Titus 2:11) gives us reason to rejoice and sing praises to His glorious name. When you know the Truth, that the world hates and tries to hide in darkness, it is like a breath of fresh air or the coming of spring after a long and blistery winter. Receiving the gift of new life from the Savior of the world is the message of Christmas, my friends, and one we can celebrate with joy even when darkness and trouble are knocking at our door (1 Peter 1:6).

A Whisper of Hope
I Am your Sustainer…dear child. I bring hope to the lost and joy to the suffering. I came to walk with you in this life-journey, and I will be with you always. Put your trust in Me, for you cannot trust a world that hates Me. I came to give you life, the very life that the world wants to take away from you. Rejoice in Me, My child, for in Me there is joy for all!

Luke 2:11
For today in the city of David there has been born
for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (NASB)

Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. (NASB)

1 Peter 1:6
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though
it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. (NLT)