Gentleness
This first of the servant songs of Isaiah, quoted in Matthew 12:18-21, foreshadows the servant nature of Jesus, a central aspect of which is his gentleness, especially towards the vulnerable – the ‘bruised reeds’ and ‘smouldering wicks’. Yet there is a strength and dependability to this gentleness, committed to establishing justice.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus and love him in his gentleness.
Setting: Allow yourself to imagine Isaiah’s suffering servant.
Where in your life do you need the strong gentleness of Jesus just now?
Who are the bruised reeds and flickering wicks for whom God may be inviting you to be channel of Christ’s gentleness?
Scripture
Isaiah 42:1-4 NCB
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have put my Spirit upon him; he will establish justice among the nations.
He will not cry out or shout or make his voice heard in the street.
He will not break a bruised reed, nor will he snuff out a smouldering wick;
faithfully he will establish justice.
He will not falter or become discouraged until he has established justice upon the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
With Great Gentleness sung by Sandra McCracken