Jesus and You and I by Hampton W. Cottrell

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 27, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 29.

Jesus and You and I

By Hampton W. Cottrell

The Master Declines to Crush

By HAMPTON W. COTTRELL

“A BRUISED reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench.” Isa. 42:3. In this declaration, one may behold a prophetic photograph of the character-life of our divine Lord when He was on earth clothed with human flesh.

THE BRUISED REED

Isaiah, the old-time gospel prophet, inspired by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, foresaw the Redeemer always before his face. He beheld Him, during the period of His work on earth for the physical uplift and the spiritual redemption of humanity, decline to break or crush the figurative bruised reed — the discouraged soul, who, on account of direct or indirect violation of the laws of being, or perchance because of unjust treatment, or misunderstanding with others, was heart-bruised nearly to the breaking point. His mission was to soothe and heal the afflictions made by the storm of sin, and thus strengthen the reed, not break it.

THE SMOKING FLAX

A class of men born of God, but not greatly developed, having never learned by faith the art of trusting the Saviour in time of trial, not having been strengthened by God’s might in the inner man, is pictured under the symbol of smoldering, smoking flax — spiritual life almost extinct. The Master viewed the soul-sick, disappointed, heart-bruised, and spirit-broken ones, but declined to quench, by a harsh word or an unkind act, the last semblance of spiritual life, as men often do. He fanned the one surviving spark, which caused the little remaining life, evidenced by smoke, to break forth into a brilliant, living, burning flame for Him, and to reflect His greatness, His willingness, the might of His power, the abundance of His grace, the joy of His peace, awaiting the asking and receiving when the sinner is penitent.

The Master’s spirit, prompting Him to acts of love and mercy to all, but prominently noticeable in His conduct to those who were physically bruised by bodily affliction, or spirit-broken by the inroads of doubt and sin, until but the faintest evidence of spiritual life remained, is the spirit that should possess you and me.

Let us — you and me — remember the bruised reed and the smoking flax, and ever look to Jesus, who, though the embodiment of love and mercy, never justified sin. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.