Bethesda Shalom

Matthew 12:18-21 There along the lush green banks of the river Jordan, hugging its meandering paths lie scores of reeds; their long slender stems and firm brush-like heads project above the water’s surface, swaying to and fro in the wind.  These delicate plants, so prone to bruising, oftentimes lay bent over, its heavy head drooping, the shattered stems no longer able to support the weight.  There are many such bruised reeds both inside and outside the Church.  In the natural, a bruised reed was good for nothing and spelt its end!    In this sermon hope is brought to the listener in the person of the Servant of Isaiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  He it is the prophet foretold, would come for the brokenhearted, to give them beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for the mourning.  He it is, the good Shepherd of the sheep, binding up the broken, strengthening the sick and carrying the lame on His shoulders!!  Be encouraged dear Saint...A bruised reed shall He not break!!