God’s Flock
Opening Prayer
Psalm 119:103 calls God’s words “sweeter than honey to my mouth” (TNIV). Pray to find its sweetness today.
Read Isaiah 40:1-11
[1] Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. [2] Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. [3] A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. [4] Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. [5] And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” [6] A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. [7] The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. [8] The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” [9] You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” [10] 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. [11] 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What image or images of God do you see here?As he grows older, Isaiah looks ahead prophetically to the situation of God’s exiled people after the Babylonian invasion. He speaks words of comfort they’ll need at that time (1,2). His message is meant to be very encouraging (3-5): “God is coming to rescue you. Don’t be afraid–you’re his cherished ones.” Why will God rescue them? Because he loves them, for sure, but v. 5 adds another dimension that we’ll see highlighted time and again. Can you spot it? Now reflect on these words or phrases that help describe the depth of the Lord’s love: “my people” (1; we belong to him); “sin has been paid for” (2); God will bring us home (3-5); we can trust that what he says, he’ll do (8). Now, pause to let the comforting images of ourselves as God’s “flock” and him as our “shepherd” take effect. What wonderful news of salvation to shout from the mountain tops (9)! He is our God and we are truly his beloved people. He came to rescue you and me in the person of Jesus.
Apply
Reflect on who you are to God and all that he has done for you. If you need any “rescuing,” bring that to God now.
Closing prayer
Thank You, Lord, for the comfort You offer to Your people in distress. I trust You for all the help I may need, too.
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