Definition: A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and profound verse from Matthew 12:20. It's a really rich message about God’s plan for us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God always wants to help people, even when they are struggling or making mistakes. He doesn’t give up on them until he has finished working through their situation and brought about a positive outcome. Let's unpack the parts: “A bruised reed shall he not break…” – Think of a reed as something that is easily damaged, like a branch that breaks under pressure. This suggests that people are vulnerable and can be harmed if they don’t receive help or guidance. “…and smoking flax shall he not quench…” - Flax is used for cloth and is often associated with new beginnings, growth, and potential. “Quench” means to extinguish, to put out a flame. So, this part suggests that God doesn't want to stop helping people from growing or moving forward. He’s not finished with them yet. “…till he send forth judgment unto victory.” – This is the key! "Send forth judgment" means to bring about a final, important outcome – often a positive one like forgiveness, healing, or restoration. “Victory” signifies a successful and fulfilling resolution of the problem. In simpler terms: God is committed to helping people through their challenges. He’s not going to give up on them until he has brought about a good ending for them. It's an ongoing process of support and guidance. Why is this important? It encourages us to: Be patient with others: Even when they make mistakes, God remains committed to helping them. Don’t give up on people: He will continue to offer grace and opportunity even in difficult times. Trust in God's plan: We shouldn’t be afraid to believe that God is working for our good, even if we don’t understand everything that’s happening. Does this mean God doesn't care about our problems? Absolutely not! It means He cares deeply enough to continue caring and helping us, regardless of the circumstances. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with a specific example? Discuss its connection to other parts of the Bible?