"Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; and charged them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."(Matthew 12:14-21)

"Smoking flax" is the first light of the lamp in the new birth. The desire and action of righteousness may seem small but Jesus will not extinguish it. That light, though small, will NEVER go out!

Just as the gospel message should not threaten a bruised reed with breaking, it should encourage good works. The church should fan the flame of thankfulness for the finished work of Christ!

I believe we should be actively searching for that flicker of light in everyone around us. And when we find it, we should fuel it with the gospel of the sovereign grace of God!