Jesus, Your Good Shepherd

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.

As you may have noticed, in the Book of Isaiah, the prophet uses imagery or picture language. These describing words tell of God’s judgement for Israel’s sin and Gods plan for forgiveness, comfort and hope in the coming Messiah.  In this passage Isaiah gives us an image of a Good Shepherd, who is leading, feeding, carrying those weak, those who cannot walk and gently leading the mother sheep with their young. We often interpret these meaning children and those who care for them, those young in years and faith.   Think of the name of our own Good Shepherd church and school community. It is acknowledging our Good Shepherd – who his is and who we are.

During the years of my mother’s long illness, where she was paralysed by a stroke, this passage gave me great comfort. I visualized Jesus carrying my mother in his arms, close to his heart, protected by his caring arms and ultimately carrying her home to glory.  I also visualized walking alongside Jesus, the Good Shepherd too, staying close under His protection, following his lead.

Prayer points: Where you are in relation to your Good Shepherd? Jesus, lead and protect me. I surrender to you.

Julie Freund