Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Healing and Wholeness
Isaiah 42:1-9
Vs. 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
“How can God use someone like me? “ – I have asked that question, may be you have as well.
D. L. Moody’s total schooling was equivalent to a 5th grade education today. At age 18, when he attempted to join a Congregational Church, he failed a simple test of Bible knowledge administered by the deacons. His sermons were full of grammatical mistakes. But these handicaps did not prevent God from using him to shake two continents.
In today’s Bible portion the people of Israel are being told what the Messiah would be like – He would be gentle, not arrogant and aggressive. Israelites were waiting for a military leader to save them. No one asked for a gentle suffering servant, so when Jesus came they couldn't accept him. They couldn't see the strength in His weakness and the victory in His defeat.
 He will not break the “bruised reed” and will not extinguish the “dimly burning wick”. “Bruised reed” and “dimly burning wick” are signs of our frailty.

Jesus didn't come for the perfect reeds and the brightly burning wicks, he came for the broken and his ministry brought healing and wholeness. You never see Him ridiculing the weak instead he strengthens them. You see Him heal the sick and at times He puts his arms around and whispers “My grace is sufficient for you”. 

When you feel broken and bruised or burned out in your life, God won’t step on you or toss you aside as useless but will gently pick you up. He is not done with you, trust Him, he is at work.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding us that you never give up on us. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God can accomplish far more in our weakness
Binu T. Jose, St. Thomas MTC, Lombard, IL
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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