A few days ago I quoted the comforting words of Moses found at the end of Deuteronomy, where he speaks of God's "everlasting arms."I mentioned that I picture the arms of a father or mother with an infant whenever I think of that verse.
The Old Testament often speaks about God in terms of a shepherd. One such place is Isaiah 40:11.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
For those in Palestine, 2,700 years ago, the picture of a shepherd carrying a lamb, leading his sheep would be a very familiar one. If not every day, surely every week anyone living in Israel in those days would see shepherds taking care of their flocks.
Most of us may never see first hand a shepherd carrying a lamb. But in photos or on the screen, we have seen it. What a wonderful tender picture: God as our shepherd carrying us close to his heart, like a gentle shepherd.
We know that Jesus described Himself to his followers as the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. How wonderful to know that if we fall or when we are limping, He will carry us. How good to know that we have a tender yet all powerful Shepherd.
In the words of an old hymn we pray:
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
The Old Testament often speaks about God in terms of a shepherd. One such place is Isaiah 40:11.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
For those in Palestine, 2,700 years ago, the picture of a shepherd carrying a lamb, leading his sheep would be a very familiar one. If not every day, surely every week anyone living in Israel in those days would see shepherds taking care of their flocks.
Most of us may never see first hand a shepherd carrying a lamb. But in photos or on the screen, we have seen it. What a wonderful tender picture: God as our shepherd carrying us close to his heart, like a gentle shepherd.
We know that Jesus described Himself to his followers as the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. How wonderful to know that if we fall or when we are limping, He will carry us. How good to know that we have a tender yet all powerful Shepherd.
In the words of an old hymn we pray:
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
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