Why we publish.

The bruised reed

Matthew 12:20 points to the prophecy of Jesus as One who would be strong in the power of God, with a love for all people groups. God’s chosen servant would not be brash, but humbly purposeful.

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.” Matthew 12 · 20

As the mighty One of God, Jesus would have had the empowerment and prerogative to crush opposition, dispose of weakness, and insist on immediate obedience. That would not, however, be the way of God’s Messiah, the Christ. Jesus would come with gentleness, willing to endure with weakness.

What a reed is

A reed has the appearance of strength, but it is weak — composed of cotton-like material and thin fibers in the walls. Growing up near water, many reeds rise quickly and are destroyed just as quickly.

Some ancient cultures, including Israel, are believed to have used sharpened reeds as pens. Their ability to be easily shaped made them ideal for pressing into wet clay tablets and even as ink holders on papyrus. A reed, therefore, was easy to discard and replace once its utility had passed.

The Chosen one of God was foretold as one who would not break a bruised reed. That is a picture of great gentleness and patience. How valuable is a reed? A reed used for writing or any other purpose — when it is bruised — is basically worthless. Who would even notice? Someone who is tuned in and aware.

Today’s reeds

Many people associate themselves with the bruised reed. In life, we often find ourselves broken, humbled, and seemingly incapable of helping ourselves. It is encouraging to know that the Promised One is not harsh with those who find themselves in such places. When believers feel aware of their own frailty, failures, and even self-imposed bruises, many find comfort in knowing that coming to the Lord is not a sentence of pain or being discarded. Those who limp to the Cross are met by the Strength of the Savior — strong, and full of patience, grace, and love.

Why this imprint exists

Reed Light Books exists to celebrate the promised, Chosen One. We do this by publishing books and articles that highlight his character — especially his kindness, grace, strength, and patience. Beyond the content of the books, we look for authors who can personally relate to those in need of the Messiah’s traits. We love to work with those who are aware of their needs; those who need the One who will not break them in their injury or quench them in their smoldering.

Through this imprint, we tell the story of the Messiah repeatedly, in many tales (fiction), teachings, and research. Through a variety of voices and experiences represented, there is a larger story we’re writing together. It’s a story of grace — undeserved favor — where the Lord of Heaven and Earth invites partnership from those He came to heal; those who were once his enemies. In this living tale, bruised reeds are held together by the Master as He brings His light to the world he loves.

Thank you for picking up a title brought to you by Reed Light Books. By reading, you are participating in our story as well. May the Light of the World shine in and through you until he brings justice to victory.