December 7 – Scattered and Re-gathered

“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 40:11 (ESV)

The picture this verse draws for us is first one of God’s omnipotence. The context here is the prophecy of the Jews begin scattered over all the earth. Subsequently, God will overcome their oppressors and gather His people together and care for them. Are we familiar with the picture of our Lord as a shepherd caring for his sheep? It is an image used to show God's relationship with His followers. We are so glad that He considers us a part of those who can depend on His care every day. As we read this verse today these words are especially impressed on our hearts: “carries them in His bosom” – meaning He carries them close to his heart.  These special words remind us of God's promise and His great love for us. He wants us to feel this and He wants us to respond to His love. Then let us remember that to be held close to the heart of the shepherd made it possible for a lamb to feel the heartbeat of the shepherd. So it is for us. When our Lord carries us close to his heart, we can sense His love for others and for ourselves.

199

December 6 – Carried Close

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:11 (NASB)

We might be familiar with the well-known painting by Warner Sallman of our Lord as a shepherd caring for his sheep? It is an image often used to show God's relationship with His followers.  It brings joy and comfort to know that He considers us a part of those who depend on His care every day. As we read this verse today these words are especially impressed on our hearts: “carries them in His bosom” – meaning He carries them close to his heart.  These special words remind us of God's promise and His great love for us. Jesus once told those following Him that His sheep know his voice, and He knows know them, and they follow Him. Jesus wants us to feel this and He wants us to respond to His love. Then let us remember that to be held close to the heart of the shepherd made it possible for a lamb to feel the heartbeat of the shepherd. So it is for us. When our Lord carries us close to his heart, we can sense His love for others and for ourselves. 

185

December 7 – Carried Close

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:11 (NASB)

We might be familiar with the picture of our Lord as a shepherd caring for his sheep? It is an image often used to show God's relationship with His followers.  We are so glad that He considers us a part of those who can depend on His care every day. As we read this verse today these words are especially impressed on our hearts: “carries them in His bosom” – meaning He carries them close to his heart.  These special words remind us of God's promise and His great love for us. He wants us to feel this and He wants us to respond to His love. Then let us remember that to be held close to the heart of the shepherd made it possible for a lamb to feel the heart beat of the shepherd. So it is for us. When our Lord carries us close to his heart, we can sense His love for others and for ourselves.