Isaiah 40:1-11
"He takes care of his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms.
He carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have little ones."
He carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have little ones."
(Isaiah 40:11)
We often speak of the heart in the context of relationship...a place where human emotion is centered. The New International Readers Version translation paints a picture of God as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. It's an amazing image of creator and creation. The focus here is on the intentional action of God, not only to interact with creation, but to do so in a way that communicates genuine care and compassion.
Jesus identifies himself in the tenth chapter of John's gospel as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. This is the good news of the Word becoming flesh. Jesus embodies the love and compassion of the Shepherd Isaiah spoke of in today's text. God has come among us to draw us to himself...to carry us close to his heart.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, gather me in your loving arms. Keep me close to your heart. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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