Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Isaiah 42:1-4
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

Jesus Christ, the most amazing One who ever walked on the face of this earth. How could our God, who knew exactly what earth was like, and what He would suffer come down to this earth to understand our pain, and take it on Himself?

The One who made the universe, and planned everything, knows the frailty of my frame. He knows exactly what I am struggling with right now. He hears my cries of desperation. He left His throne behind for me! He gave it all for me! He bridged the gap between an infinitely holy God and a horrible sinner like me. Why did He do it? It is beyond me. There is no value that I have in myself.

I am truly a man, broken, bruised and torn down. I am tired, worn out, and am wondering why and how I can even go on. There is so much to do on this earth, there are so many hurting people, there are so many people who just don't care...why, why, why? I hate sin! I do it, So many times that you would think that I love it. My sins are before you oh Father. Who can know how desperately wicked my heart is? Only you oh Lord! Cleanse me, oh God, don't cast me away from your presence! Renew a right spirit in me!

Jesus Christ is truly the servant. God delights in Him, for He always did right and never did wrong. Thus, the power of the cross. Since Christ put Himself up for me, and God loves Him that much, then I know that His sacrifice was acceptable, and I can trust Jesus for my salvation.

A bruised reed, and a smoking wick, Jesus will not break or put out. This is me, I am simply a damaged reed, ready to be broken in two, I am also a smoking wick, just about to go out. I need the grace of Jesus Christ to come over me, and keep me going. I am truly worn out. Work, church, family, presbytery. There is no end to the madness, there is no end to the busyness. Lord Jesus, please don't break me, please don't let my fire burn out. Be merciful to me! Let me keep you ever before me. Help me to realize that it is only in you that there is hope and joy. Let me see how powerful you are. Lord Jesus, please bless me today with the knowledge that you will keep me close to you.

The sinner is the bruised reed, the sinner is the smoking flax. The sinner is in desperate need of Jesus to pick them up. I am that sinner, I need you Jesus.

Help me, oh Jesus, to understand that I am saved by grace, and not by works. Help me to understand that you actually loved me first, and then I loved you. Help me to know and understand that doing good works is a natural outpouring of your love towards me. Help me Jesus, to live life in a way that I give all to you, for you and in you. Bless me with a desire for nothing but you!