Matthew 12:20, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory." What a portrait this verse paints of our merciful Savior! In just a few words, we see the immeasurable gentleness, patience, and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ toward weak and wounded believers. He is the mighty King, yes--but He is also the tender Shepherd who cares for the frailest of His flock. The bruised reed is not upright, strong, or fruitful. It is bent, cracked, and seemingly worthless. In the eyes of men, such a reed might as well be discarded. But not so with Jesus. He does not despise the one who has been battered by sin, by sorrow, or by the assaults of Satan. He does not snap the trembling soul in two. Instead, He binds up the broken, strengthens the feeble, and gently restores those who fall. The smoldering wick is a faint and flickering light. It barely glows, producing more smoke than flame. To the impatient, it would seem easier to extinguish it and replace it altogether. But Jesus does not quench that smoldering wick. He does not despise the believer whose faith is small, whose zeal has grown cold, or whose joy is nearly extinguished. He tenderly breathes life into that little spark, until it becomes a flame again. This is the heart of our Savior. He does not demand perfect strength or unwavering faith from us--He gives it. "He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust!" (Psalm 103:14). He is drawn to our weakness, not repelled by it. He stoops to lift up the weary. He holds fast to those who can barely hold on to Him. How can this be? Because He Himself was bruised. As Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was pierced for