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Live Today

Not a day goes by that we do not hear the news of someone dying.  Whether it is a single fatality or multiple, we hear about death every day.  Most of the time, we do not know those who have lost their lives; there are other times when we do hear of someone we know who has died.

Regardless of whether I know who has lost life, it always saddens me to hear that kind of news.  You probably feel the same way.  The Bible says that death is an enemy, but one day it will be destroyed.

This past weekend, someone close to me shared in a letter that someone close to her, whom I didn’t know, was gone. Then, I heard a very similar situation on the phone as well.  In addition, I also found out this past weekend that my uncle died.

It is never pleasant news to me, whether I know the person or not.  And, of course, when I do know the person, it becomes very unpleasant news.  Perhaps that is because it is so final. When someone dies, there are no more options; life is over.  Yes, this life is over, but there is a life to come.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians said that “if in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable.”  Honestly, if this life was all there was, and nothing else beyond, then what would be the point of anything?  If there was no hope of a future life, truly, there would no reason to live.

It is not only interesting, but really remarkable, that in the Bible many times death is referred to as the word, “sleep.”   Using the word, “sleep” not only softens the harshness of the word “death,” but it also communicates the hope that we as Christians have.

For us, when we die, we are simply sleeping; we will wake when God’s Son from heaven returns.  Until then, as the Bible declares, the dead know nothing, until he returns and then we shall be made alive again.  This time, we shall all be changed; the corrupting in the grave to incorruptible, and those mortals alive at his coming shall be changed to immortals.

The great Hope that Christians have is not a myth, a pipe dream, or some fantastical wish.  It is very real; it is a Hope that is very much alive.  Jesus Christ is going to come back one day, and when he does all those who are born again will meet him in the air, and so shall we ever be with him for all eternity!

So, yes, the news of someone dying is sad, and it does indeed bring sorrow.  But as the Bible says, our sorrow is not like those who sorrow with no hope.  We are sad, but we know, with absolute certainty, what is coming in the future.

He really is coming back.  Today, we are one day closer to that magnificent day that we all so anticipate.  But, until then, we go on living, doing our best to live and enjoy the life God has given us to live, today.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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He Promised
True Comfort In Times Of Sorrow
Another Birthday

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Free Or Under The Law?

[If you haven’t read the previous article, Are You Righteous In His Eyes,  reading it first will give you much greater understanding of this follow up article]

In the last article, I talked about how the Bible shows that we cannot become righteous by our own works.  Rather, because of the completed works of Christ, we as born again Christians have been made righteous.  We are righteous in His eyes. The Bible says that nothing can separate us from His love.

I then asked, if that is true, then what happens when we fall short and do something that is not right?  That question usually brings out two different groups:  the “legalists” and the “free in Christ” group.  And both groups adamantly believe that they are right.

Guess What Happened To My Friend?

In addressing this issue, let me briefly share an incident with you.  I recently heard from an old friend that I have not seen or spoken to for around thirty years.  I performed his wedding back in the eighties, and we simply lost touch with each other.

He told me that it has been on his and his wife’s heart for many years to own their own home.  Recently, a very loving and giving believer gave them a substantial monetary gift.  They used the gift to purchase a home.

They were able to pay the full price for a home that was selling as a short sale.  They bought the home, free and clear, for 20% of what it was worth four years ago.  It is bought and paid for.

So What’s The point?

I share that incident with you to make a very important point.  We learn from the scriptures that Jesus Christ paid the price for all sins.  It was one payment, once and for all, for all sins.  The price has been paid in full.

Do you think it would be silly for my old friend to now make payments for the house he owns, that is completely paid for?  What would you think if he were to do that, month after month?  I think we can all agree that it would not be necessary for him to do so, and we would try to show him that the house is indeed paid for.

So why do some Christians think that we still have to pay for our sins when the Bible is so clear that Christ has already paid the price for all sins?  Now of course most don’t say it in just those words, but what they are saying indicates that one needs to do something to become righteous in God’s eyes.

Ever Asked Yourself This Question?

Here’s a question that ought to really make you think. What is God’s forgiveness of our shortcomings based on?  Is it based on how bad we feel for doing something that was not right?  Is it based on promising to not do it again?  Is it based on doing as many righteous acts as possible in order to atone?

Or, is it based on Jesus Christ paying the price and obtaining forgiveness for us all?  The Bible states that as a born again one, we have redemption; we have been made righteous. We have forgiveness.  For many Christians, what Jesus Christ accomplished for every single believer is far too misunderstood.

Do I then believe that we have a license to sin?  We don’t need a license to sin!  We have free will to do whatever we chose to do.  The more you see, understand and believe what Christ accomplished for you, the more you will do good things out of a heart of love and gratitude to our Father and to His Son.

Isn’t it quite obvious that none of us are perfect and that we all have and all will fall short from time to time.  But never let anyone tell you that your shortcomings can undo what Christ has already accomplished for you.  Nothing you do, or don’t do, can separate you from the Father’s love.

What You Do, Or, Don’t Do, Has Nothing To Do With It!

Nothing you do, or don’t do can cause you to lose eternal life. If it could, it wouldn’t be called “eternal,” would it?  Nothing you do, or don’t do, can make you righteous.  God has already made you righteous, not because of your works, but because of the complete work of Christ.

Yes, when we fall short we feel lousy and can begin to feel those emotions of guilt and condemnation.  But we must not allow those feelings to rule in our hearts.  We must believe and accept God’s forgiveness, pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. We must believe that we really are who God says that we are, and, that we really do have what He said that we have.

The more you focus your attention on your faults and weaknesses, the more you will be disappointed, and the more distant you will feel from God.  The more you focus on who God made you to be, the more grateful you will be and the closer you will feel to God.

You are not only righteous in God’s eyes, but His Son has made you free; free indeed!

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
Is He Willing?
Who Wants This $50 Dollar Bill?

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Are You Righteous In His Eyes?

Guilt and condemnation are two of the most defeating and deflating emotions we experience.  When we do something that we know is not right we feel guilty.  Then, we condemn ourselves, and as a result, our confidence toward God diminishes because we no longer feel righteous in His eyes.

But what is it that makes us righteous in His eyes?  Is it doing all the right things? Righteous, biblically means to be acceptable and blameless according to an established legal standard. In this context it would be God’s established legal standard.

So what is it that makes us righteous in the eyes of God?  Many religious people will say that doing right things makes you righteous and doing wrong things makes you unrighteous.  That would mean that we are made righteous by our own works.

Promoting Guilt And Condemnation

Those who adopt this view have doctrines that actually promote guilt and condemnation.  They make sure you hear the long, long list of deeds that will make you unrighteous.   They preach God’s disappointment and displeasure with your actions.  And of course, none of us are perfect, and so we feel guilt and condemnation.

The solution, people are told, is to try harder and do more good works so they can be righteous in His eyes.  Pray more; read the Bible more; give more; in other words, do, do, do.  And so then people resolve to do better and try harder, and do more good works, but then, they fall short, again.

This cycle is repeated over and over with very sad results.  Some people just give up, ashamed, feeling like they can never stand before God.  Others spend their whole lives doing and doing and they never have any time to develop a personal relationship with God.  But something very critical is missing from this picture.

But What Does The Bible Say?

The scriptures plainly tell us that we, by our own works, can never be righteous in God’s eyes, so why do people keep trying and trying?  No works, no matter how many or how great, will ever grant you salvation.  Works never make you righteous in God’s eyes.

The Bible is clear that salvation is a gift from God, “…not of works lest anyone should boast.”  Eternal life and God’s spirit are gifts that cannot be earned.  And in addition, to the shock of some people, the Bible also declares that those who are born again, are righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ’s complete redemptive work.

Now, logically, if we are indeed righteous in His eyes and have eternal life, because of what Jesus Christ did for us, can we lose it by doing something wrong?  No! If we could lose it, then it would not be eternal life.  If we could lose it, then Christ’s completed work was incomplete and he would need to come again.

Jesus Christ completed his Father’s work.  Shortly before he gave his life for you and me, he said, “It is finished.”

We Just Can’t

We can not on our own make ourselves righteous, nor can we on our own obtain eternal life; he already did it for us. And now, as a result, the Bible states that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

If that is all true, then what happens when we fall short and do something that is not right?  That question usually brings out two different groups:  the legalists and, the free in Christ group.  And both groups adamantly believe that they are right.

To the legalistic, falling short means that what you did wrong is sin and that separates you from God, otherwise you would have a license to sin.  The other group, those who see themselves as free in Christ, believe that they are free to do as they please without any laws.

I will address this conflict next time.  In the meantime, know that you are righteous in God’s eyes because of the completed work of his son, Jesus Christ.  If you have a comment, go ahead and post it below.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
Is He Willing?
Who Wants This $50 Dollar Bill?

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2012 – A New Year

It’s Another Podcast!

Have you decided to do something different in this upcoming New Year?  I have, and I’ll tell you on this podcast.

Are you planning to have a better 2012 than 2011?  If you’re not, then listen to this podcast.  If you are, then listen to this podcast.

I am heading over to the Phoenix Rescue Mission in a couple of hours to teach tonight.  In this podcast, I share some of what I am going to share with them.

Happy New Year!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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Where Is Your Life Going This Year?
Happy New Day! I Mean, New Year!
Keeping Your Dreams Alive

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It Is A New Year

(This time of year, many people are talking about setting goals.  There are countless articles, books, and courses about goals. This article is about why some people do not even consider setting goals for the New Year.)

There are lots of people who don’t get very excited about another new year They simply expect another year of the same with a different date attached to it.  But there is a reason why they do not anticipate anything new and exciting in the days and weeks ahead.

One of the main reasons that people do not anticipate new and exciting things for the New Year is that they are very discouraged by where their lives are today.  Not only that, but they see no way for things to improve.  They have allowed disappointments and discouragements in the past to steal their hopes and dreams.

How can you arrive at the place in your life where you will no longer be disappointed or face any discouragement?  You can’t.  Everyone faces disappointments and discouragements.

It Happens To All Of Us

People who are discouraged and feel trapped hardly ever consider that everyone else in the world faces disappointments and discouragements, too.  We all face challenges, obstacles, disappointments, rejections, setbacks, etc.  Since we all face them, then it is our response to what comes our way that determines our futures.

You and I know people who seem to wallow in their troubles.  Looking at the New Year ahead, they often say things like, “I sure hope I have a better year than I did this last year.”  That statement, alone by itself, is not a statement of hope for the New Year, with a clear vision of what one wants to see happen, but rather it is a focus on the disappointments of the past year. What they are really saying is that they just don’t want any more disappointments coming to them in the coming year.

Now who doesn’t want a better year?  Of course, we all do.  But a better year than last year means different things to different people.

What’s Your Response?

For some, a better year is a year without disappointments. Others take an honest look at what they accomplished in the year ending, and decide where they want to go in the coming New Year.  Regardless of the disappointments and setbacks they experienced, their response is to keep dreaming big; they have vision and hope for the days ahead.

There is a big difference in the response, isn’t there?  One hopes that nothing bad happens, and the other hopes that something good happens.  Just like in all of life, our response is our own choice; we choose to respond and those responses really do determine our future.

Those with hopes and dreams for a brighter future have expectations for the coming year.  Many people like to break down the “big expectation” into smaller pieces so that they see their progress over short periods of time.  Some like to put dates on these short range expectations to further help them keep their eyes on what they are expecting for the year.

Shattered Dreams

A man recently shared with me some of what has happened to him in the past few years.  As unpleasant as it was, he was not complaining or looking for sympathy. We were having a discussion about the possibility of him doing something different that has great potential financially.

It was sad to see that he had lost the vision he once had for his life. He is not alone; I see people who desire to only have enough to pay their bills and buy their food.  Many have accepted that they will work until they die, or try to live off of social security.

A New Year?  What’s The Big Deal?

So, when it comes to a New Year, lots of people say, “What’s the big deal?” because they are not only discouraged at where their life is today, but they see no way for things to get any better. They need to stop and realize that while everyone faces disappointments, it is always the response to what life throws at you that is critical to your future.

Once you see and believe that, then you can stop allowing disappointments and discouragements to steal your hopes and dreams.  You can move forward knowing that God said that He will never leave you nor forsake you, that He will direct your path and that He will give you the desires of your heart!

You know, you just might be excited to write down some goals too!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Are You Clear?
What Happened To Your Dreams?
Don’t Give Up!

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This Is My Favorite

It’s Another Podcast!

I have a song for you on this short podcast.  Actually, right before the song, I admit to something personal – so don’t be shocked, okay?

In the comments below, feel free to let everyone know what your favorite is.

Enjoy the podcast!  And be sure to check out some of the related links below.

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]
http://confidenceandjoy.com/wp-content/audio/Podcast/O

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Swaddling Clothes
Who Were The Magi? Part 1
Who Were The Magi? Part 2

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Christmas Tree Or Holiday Tree?

It’s Another Podcast!

It happens every year.  The battle over whether to call it a Christmas tree or a Holiday tree.  Separation of Church and State, right?

In this short podcast [9:16 ] I’ll tell you about a Jewish man who does not like it referred to as a Holiday tree.  And, I’ll give you a little history and background of the Christmas tree.  And, what about the big picture?

Enjoy the podcast!  (There are some related links below as well.)

Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment.

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Is It Just Meant To Be?

It must be hard to dream for the people who believe in fate.  For those who accept that everything is meant to be, it is pointless to imagine.  Subscribing to fate and the “everything is meant to be” philosophy stifles one’s imagination and negates possibility thinking, doesn’t it?

God gave human beings something far beyond what He gave the animals.  We have the ability to reason and choose our own thoughts.  And very few realize just how powerful our own thoughts are, and how dramatically our own thoughts effect our lives.

Those who are locked into fate can only hope that they are on the right track.  In other words, nothing they do will ultimately change their lives. All they can do is hope that their life is not as bad as other people’s lives.  That is not really living, is it?

But, those who understand that they don’t have to settle, and that they can have hope for something better, have genuine goals and desires. They have imagination and inspiration.  They grab hold of life and say, “Let’s see how far I can go!”

That kind of thinking, along with subsequent related actions, is possibility thinking, inspired by the freewill to choose thoughts. Possibility thinkers understand how vital and critical their own thoughts really are.  They are aware that they determine their own barriers or limits.

Barriers

It is really impossible to go beyond the barriers or limits that you build in your own mind and choose to believe. Regardless of the reason why, your mental barrier is yours; you built it and you own it.  You may have all kinds of reasons to justify your barrier, including others who concur, but it is still the barrier or limit that you built.

Countless examples exist of people who because of the odds, physical limitation, or any number of variables, would have been completely justified in building a barrier or limit in their mind. But they did not. They faced and overcame their challenges.  We all have a choice to think whatever thoughts we choose to think.  Those thoughts will either construct barriers, or construct possibilities; the choice is always ours.

What did Michael Jordan construct in his mind after he was cut from his high school basketball team?  He could have accepted his “fate” and moved on.  But he is now one of the greatest basketball players of all time.  He once said, “Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it, and that usually got me going again.”

Want to know who failed sixth grade? He was subsequently defeated in every election for public office until he became Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 62. His name was Winston Churchill and he wrote, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, never, never, never give up.”

Abraham Lincoln’s life was anything but success for many, many years.  He failed in business and he was defeated in public elections, over and over.  And yet, today he remains one of the greatest presidents of the United States.

A young boy wanted to be the ball boy for a Davis Cup tennis match.  He was rejected on the grounds that he was too awkward and clumsy.  That young boy was Stan Smith who went on to win Wimbledon, the U. S. Open, and, eight Davis Cups.

What Is Your Opinion?

The opinions we carry of ourselves, along with the things that we say to ourselves about ourselves, who we are and what we can do, are literally life changing.  And, as Christians, we not only have the ability to build mental possibilities instead of mental barriers, but God has given us His spirit.  That means that He can communicate to us and give us the wisdom we need for our journey in life.

We can just accept our fate and choose to believe that everything that happens is just, “meant to be.” Or, with God on our side, we can choose to put in the effort and determination to make our dreams come true.  What’s your choice?

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Do You Rely On Luck Or Fate?
What’s In Your Fortune Cookie?
What’s Your Fate?

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Reeds And Flax Part 2

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

In Part 1, we looked at the eastern idiom of, “a bruised reed.”  If you haven’t read that yet, just scroll down and read Part 1 first.

What Is The Smoking Flax?

The second idiom in Isaiah 42:3 is “the smoking flax.”  The verse says, “…and the smoking flax shall he not quench.”

In the times of the Bible, the people believed if there was a light in their home, God was there; the light represented God’s presence.  And so, every home always had a light in the house, even through the night. In Bible times of course they didn’t have electricity, so they utilized oil lamps.

They would put oil into the shallow container and then use a flax wick.  If the oil ran out then the wick would be smoking and stinking because of no oil.  Specific duties for men and women were important, and one of the woman’s duties was to keep oil in the lamp.

If on occasion the oil ran out during the night, the husband, smelling the smoke would wake his wife so that she could go and add oil.   If the woman was tired or lazy, instead of finding the oil and adding it, she would just take off the burned smoldering part of wick. Quenching the smoking flax and just throwing that part out was simply a temporary solution.  And, she might even light the fresh part of the flax wick.  But it would then still be a burning empty wick and it would still stink.

What Makes Us Stink?

Being negative is to stink.  Here in the United States we have an idiom: change your stinking thinking.  In the east the saying is, “a negative person is the biggest stink there is in the world.”

“I can’t; I can’t.”  “This is too hard.”  “Nothing works out for me.”  “Things in my life just don’t go right and they will probably get worse.”  All negative.

Negative people are always disturbed, dejected, and full of despair.  Their problems continue to sink them lower into stinking negativity.

In this stinking condition, they don’t think properly; they are full of fear and anxiety.  They epitomize despondency.  And beware: they are not the kind of people you go to for advice!

Smoking flax refers to being miserable.  But when we reflect on the completed work of Christ we can see that he did not provide us a temporary solution.  He didn’t just quench the smoking flax; he didn’t just take off the burnt part and relight it.  Instead, he filled container with oil to overflowing!

Who Are We?

The Bible states that as born again Christians, we are complete; there is nothing lacking.  We have all received all spiritual blessings.  We have all been filled with His spirit; it is all in all.  The love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which was given to us.

When we look at the blessings God has freely given all of us because of the completed work of Christ, we can choose to change from negativity.  We can refuse to live with fear and anxiety, and instead live by faith.  We really can be people of joy and gladness.

The work of Christ was a complete work.  No matter how bruised you are today, you will never be thrown away.  And Christ’s work was not a temporary fix, but an eternal solution; you have been given the gift of eternal life.  Nothing can separate you from God’s love.

If you are a bruised reed or smoking flax, look to Christ, the author and finisher of our salvation, who died so that you could live abundantly.  A bruised reed cannot have an abundant life. Smoking flax stinks, and smoke cannot have abundant life.  We can chose to accept what Christ has accomplished for us, claiming the victory that is ours: in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Colossians 2:10
And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Romans 5:5
And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us.

Romans 6:23b
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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Reeds And Flax Part 1

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

Figures of speech in the Bible are used for emphasis and are not what they appear on the surface.  Idioms are a figure of speech.  An idiom is a way of saying something that is peculiar to a people or culture.  Once you understand the idioms in the Bible, the true meaning becomes very clear.

There are two idioms in Isaiah 42, verse 3:  a bruised reed and the smoking flax.  To those unfamiliar with the culture of the Bible, the meaning of those idioms is not known. Here in Part 1, we’ll look at the first idiom.

Reeds grow wild. Although related to the sugar cane, which is solid, reeds are hollow in the middle.  They grow 3 to 4, and sometimes 5 feet high.  During the heat of the day they droop to the ground, but in the cool of the evening, they rise back up, straight and tall.  It was something beautiful for people to watch in the evening.

Jesus made reference to reeds in asking the people what they went out to see, John the Baptist, or the reeds.  In other words, he was asking them if they were paying attention to what John was saying, or if they were distracted by the reeds.

Ancient oriental flutes were made from the reeds.  The verse in Isaiah says, “A bruised reed shall he not break.”  If you know the idiom, “bruised reed,” then it makes the verse much clearer.

What Is A Bruised Reed?

If someone’s flute fell to the ground, it could easily break. It was then referred to as a bruised reed; that’s the idiom. A broken or bruised flute could no longer be used to play, and so, it was thrown away and another one was made.

Eastern shepherds often carried flutes and they would play them. However, they would not toss out their broken flute and make another, even though it didn’t cost anything to make a new one and it was very easy to make.  The reason the shepherd would not do that is because it was handed down to him for generations; it had a sentimental value.

So when the shepherd’s flute, or reed, was bruised, he would use wax or string to repair it.  He loved his flute just as he loved his grandfather who may have passed it on to him. He loved it so much that he repaired it and kept it for keepsake.

In this chapter, Isaiah is talking prophetically about the coming redeemer, Jesus Christ, who is of course referred to, in other places in the Bible, as the good shepherd.  He redeemed us, he laid down his life for us; he paid the full price for all sins.

Are You Bruised?

When a person is broken or bruised by sin or by indifference, that person loses the joy of having salvation; they lose their peace; they are mentally bruised and unhappy; they have no song of joy.

The invitation to salvation is simple and easy because all the work was accomplished for us by Christ.  One simply accepts Jesus as the savior, acknowledging that he is lord of all men, and that God raised him from the dead.  They then receive redemption, salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, and a lot more.

But accepting Christ does not mean that one becomes perfect, never to fall short; we all miss the mark.  When someone is in that position they need to remember Christ’s complete redemptive work.  Our falling short and missing the mark bruises us.

When we get in that position, we need to look to Christ, at his complete work.  He has cleansed us, repaired us, renewed us. He bought and paid for our forgiveness.

Jesus said, “And him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.”  He doesn’t throw us out or toss us away because of our sins; his blood cleansed us from sin.  In the book of Hebrews it says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Jesus will not throw us out and God will never toss us away.

What Will You Choose?

When we are unhappy, miserable, and bruised, and we look to Christ and reflect on what he has done for us, he, as the good shepherd, will not break us, meaning throw us out so that we end up completely crushed.  And so we have a choice.

Our adversary would have us go through life looking at all our faults, weaknesses, and failures.  “Look what I have done; I have failed again, I have messed up again; look at how lousy I am.”  Or instead, we can stop looking at our faults, and look to Christ.

Our loving God and Father is not condemning us.  He loves us so much that He gave His Son to die, to pay the full price for all sins.  In one of the Psalms, David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  He was asking God to help him to get his heart right.

Too often religion condemns the one who misses the mark, and then has a list of “good” things for him to do in order to make up for the bad that he has done, all the while ignoring the real issues of the heart.  And so, people go around doing all sorts of things so that God won’t toss them out.

The Bible says that Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call us brethren.  In God’s eyes we are His children having His righteousness.  We can be confident that we will never be tossed out because of our shortcomings.  So, why not believe in Christ’s complete redemptive work and open your heart to God?

Next time, in Part 2, we will look at the second idiom in Isaiah 42:3, the smoking flax.

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

Romans 10:9 and 10
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 6:37
All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.

I John 1:7b
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hebrews 13:5b
for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139:23 and 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Hebrews 2:11b
For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles