A Journey to Easter - Day 22

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

(Isaiah 40:10-11 NIV)

The Book of Isaiah is beautifully poetic—in expression and content. God reveals many facets of His character through Isaiah. One metaphor He uses is that of shepherd. It’s a powerful metaphor that paints a vivid portrait for its audience. It is used of God as early as Genesis. When Jacob blessed Joseph, he called God “my shepherd all my life” (Genesis 48:15). However, it’s sometimes unfortunate for us moderns—because our familiarity with shepherds is mostly lacking. In our age, the role of a shepherd is unknown to most of us. Even though it was common to the ancients, shepherds were considered lowly outcasts and were often despised and shunned. The Bible, however, does give several honorable mentions, like that of Moses and David. But, most supremely, Jesus.

God judged leaders of Israel through His prophets for being poor shepherds of His flock. Ezekiel spoke woe to the shepherds who scattered God’s sheep. “No one searched for them” (Ezekiel 34:6). They were lost and vulnerable prey to every beast. But God promised, “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:23).

Through Isaiah, God warned His people of impending judgment. But He gave them hope to endure their captivity. He consoled them with promised restoration. And Isaiah spoke of another coming in judgment, when God would come with might (Isaiah 40:10). But He would be like a shepherd who would tend His flock. He assured them that the enemies of God should fear what was coming. But not His flock. He would show them His tenderness. He told Isaiah to take this news to the exiled. But this too is our comfort. For Jesus is that Shepherd, something He attested to more than once. The apostle John quoted Him proclaiming, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).

There are several reasons why Jesus is a good Shepherd. He knows us (John 10:14). He was the sacrificial Lamb of God who gave His life for His sheep (John 10:15). He is the Shepherd of Psalm 23, the One who provides and protects. Who brings refreshing and rest. Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). He holds us close (Isaiah 40:11), an image from Isaiah that makes me think of an infant carrier a mother wears close to her heart to comfort her child.

Oh, to be a lamb in His flock! To be led from these dangerous fields of exile into His fold.

Listen for His voice. And surely goodness and mercy will follow us all our days (Psalm 23:6), as the Good Shepherd escorts us on our journey.

#AJourneytoEaster

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