“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
Our God is a God of infinite love and mercy. When the circumstances of our lives become so tragically difficult, that we can no longer see this truth clearly, we must by faith believe it is so. There are those in our midst who are presently experiencing great grief due to the untimely loss of another loved one. At times such as this, how difficult it is to see the tender love of our Heavenly Father. But the Lord comes to us this morning through the prophet Isaiah and paints a beautiful portrait of love and tenderness. In the midst of verses describing the absolute majesty and greatness of our God, we find this picture: a shepherd gathering lambs in his strong but gentle arms. What comfort these words must have brought to the heart of Isaiah in his day.
And yet, how much more meaning these words convey to us who live on this side of the cross! This is not just an abstract picture of tenderness; rather these words point to the very One who declared, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” It is at the cross, where the Good Shepherd laid down His life for his sheep, that God displayed His love and mercy in the clearest and greatest way possible! If our Saviour was willing to endure such excruciating agony on your behalf, surely you can trust Him with the details of your life. He knows your loss, he knows your pain, he knows your grief – but He suffered a greater loss, a greater pain, a greater grief, in order to restore His flock to eternal pastures, and gather every one of His chosen lambs in His precious arms! Won’t you trust Him through your trials?
Congregation, please remember to pray for Marjorie Caswell, and others who are yet experiencing great loss at this present time. May the God of all comfort bring His peace to troubled hearts.