We Matter to God

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out....” (Is 42:3; Mt 12:20) In the ancient Middle East, a reed was used for measuring and for support; once its straightness was lost by bending or cracking, it was of no further use. Likewise, a strip of linen cloth used as a lamp wick, if it smokes, is of no use for giving light and is simply a source of noxious smoke. In either case, common sense would demand that both be replaced, the reed being snapped and discarded and the wick extinguished.

The bruised reed and smoldering wick are metaphors for the weak, damaged and vulnerable people in society. This imagery teaches us that Jesus does not condemn, discard or give up on the weak, damaged or vulnerable, even though common wisdom in our results oriented society might give up on them or deny them further opportunities to succeed. To the contrary, Jesus loves and sees the potential in every human being, even those who are lost, sunk deep in ignorance or immorality. I like how one woman described it: “He recognized 'flower beds' in lives deemed ugly.” Jesus, himself, said emphatically: “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

It is comforting to know that we all matter to God and, even when we stumble or encounter a personal setback, we have a Lord who loves each of us, does not give up on us, and can rescue us. Therefore, we must never give up on ourselves or on God.

The imagery of Mt 12:20 also provides a strong lesson to Christians who are not, at the moment, weak, damaged or vulnerable: We must learn to perceive the worth of every human being, even where it might be hidden beneath the ugliness of sin. It was Christ who said: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40)

Whether today you are one of the weak, damaged or vulnerable in this world, or are a servant of Christ praying for his grace to see every child of Adam through His eyes, words cannot adequately describe how fortunate all of us are to have a God who loves every one of us.