I chose this picture because it depicts a tree ( and trees bring strength to my mind) that is shaped like a heart: soft and gentle, yet simultaneously strong.
This morning, I again read a chapter that I’ve read before: Isaiah 42. As I reflect again on this chapter at the end of the day, I am especially impacted by the first four verses:
” Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.” Isaiah 42:1-4 (KJV)
In this beautiful Messianic prophecy (for confirmation that this is a Messianic prophecy, please see Matthew 12:15-20 ) I see such beautiful contrasts interwoven together: softness and gentleness side-by-side with a majestic, dignified, decisive, enduring strength. I also see self-control in Jesus’ character.
Softness and gentleness:
“A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoking flax shall he not quench…” Isaiah 42:3 (KJV)
“He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.” Isaiah 42:2 (Softness and gentleness/self-control)
A Majestic, Dignified, Decisive, and Enduring Strength:
“He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.” (It takes a definite strength to hold passion in check as well as to refrain from saying certain things at certain times: Proverbs 16:32; James 3:2-6)
“…he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” Isaiah 42:3 (KJV)
“He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.” Isaiah 42:4 (KJV)
I want Jesus to make me like Him. I want Him to make me a person who is both softhearted and strong. He can do this. If you also desire to have Him do this in you, please join me in this prayer:
Lord,
Thank you for your loving kindness and your tender mercies. Please forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Please help me to, by Your grace and through Your strength, develop the balanced, beautiful, tenderhearted, and strong character that You have.
Thank You so much for Your love, and for Your power to become more and more like You in character.
In Jesus’ Name Amen
Learn and Grow 4ever 