The Good Shepherd
Isaiah 40:9-11: "Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!' Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
Isaiah proclaimed the good news that not only was the Lord coming for his people, but the Lord was coming in power and might. Not only did the Lord come with power and might, but he also came in tenderness and kindness towards his beloved children. Just as a shepherd cared for his flock, so the Lord cared for his people. King David served as a shepherd for many years prior to becoming king. He knew all the perils involved in caring for sheep. A shepherd had to know his sheep well; he had to watch them constantly as they tended to drift away; the shepherd had to ensure that the sheep made their way to water and green pasture for food. It was David who penned the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). David knew the intimate care of the Lord.
Isaiah longed for the nation of Israel to know that the Lord was coming to rescue them from their exile and that the Lord cared for them as a shepherd cared for his sheep. The Lord was mighty and powerful, stronger than the Assyrian or Babylonian armies. This powerful God was also the God who cared tenderly for his people. He loved them, guided them, nurtured them, and provided for them. All throughout the history of Israel, they could see the Lord's work among them.
As a prophet to the nation of Israel, Isaiah reminded them to look to the one true God who made the heavens and the earth, who made their way out of Egypt, who tenderly cared for his people, who provided their home in the promised land, and who ultimately brought judgement upon them for their unfaithfulness. Their God was able to rescue them and longed to restore them back to his fold. There, he would tenderly care for them as their Good Shepherd.
This Advent season, may we look to the Good Shepherd. May we recognize all his divine attributes; may we see how he has provided the way for us to live in relationship with the Father. We, of all people, are blessed as we are called, chosen, and set apart to live as his beloved children. May we rest in his arms today.
Reflection:
How do you need to experience the Lord this Advent season? Ask him to reveal himself in his power, his holiness, his omniscience, and his tender care. The Lord longs to make himself known to his people.
Isaiah proclaimed the good news that not only was the Lord coming for his people, but the Lord was coming in power and might. Not only did the Lord come with power and might, but he also came in tenderness and kindness towards his beloved children. Just as a shepherd cared for his flock, so the Lord cared for his people. King David served as a shepherd for many years prior to becoming king. He knew all the perils involved in caring for sheep. A shepherd had to know his sheep well; he had to watch them constantly as they tended to drift away; the shepherd had to ensure that the sheep made their way to water and green pasture for food. It was David who penned the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). David knew the intimate care of the Lord.
Isaiah longed for the nation of Israel to know that the Lord was coming to rescue them from their exile and that the Lord cared for them as a shepherd cared for his sheep. The Lord was mighty and powerful, stronger than the Assyrian or Babylonian armies. This powerful God was also the God who cared tenderly for his people. He loved them, guided them, nurtured them, and provided for them. All throughout the history of Israel, they could see the Lord's work among them.
As a prophet to the nation of Israel, Isaiah reminded them to look to the one true God who made the heavens and the earth, who made their way out of Egypt, who tenderly cared for his people, who provided their home in the promised land, and who ultimately brought judgement upon them for their unfaithfulness. Their God was able to rescue them and longed to restore them back to his fold. There, he would tenderly care for them as their Good Shepherd.
This Advent season, may we look to the Good Shepherd. May we recognize all his divine attributes; may we see how he has provided the way for us to live in relationship with the Father. We, of all people, are blessed as we are called, chosen, and set apart to live as his beloved children. May we rest in his arms today.
Reflection:
How do you need to experience the Lord this Advent season? Ask him to reveal himself in his power, his holiness, his omniscience, and his tender care. The Lord longs to make himself known to his people.
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