This analogy would normally show people who are spiritually healthy and useful.

Flax is actually made into thread for linen cloth, nets and twine.

This is should be picture of strength and right living since the saints garments are identified as such linen.

The issue is that the reed and wick are seen as problematic, weak and frail.

The reed is crushed and the wick smoldering and about to go out. It is a picture of a person who is unstable and unusable.

This is where Jesus comes in!!!

Christ is never harsh with us but gentle and tender when we fail. He heals us when we are broken and restores us so we burn with full flame.

Sometimes as Christians we are ashamed at how weak and problematic we are.

We have been hurt and we feel unloved and unattractive.

Then we are far more smoke than fire because we pray so little and neglect His word. Our testimony is depressing.

Jesus helps us when others just are not comfortable identifying or helping us. He does not, “brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant.” He, in his own wonderful way, mends and restores broken people.

He lifts up and helps those who are exploited, overlooked and abused. He makes them useful and strong again.

The word falter is the same word as smoking in smoking flax.

He will not lose heart or be discouraged is the same word as bruised.

He was once bruised and broken for us. His flame of life was put out on Calvary for us but NOW the Risen Jesus is unbroken and full of fire! He is a perfect Savior.

He is invincible in his redemption and omnipotent in his salvation.

He will not give up on you but will restore you to health.

That is good news for some today. (SG)