ISAIAH 40:9–11 – Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 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.”
THEME OF THE DAY: BEHOLD OUR SHEPHERD-GOD. Today’s scripture explodes with majesty that creates awe from us toward such a God as ours. It also sounds a loud symphony of praise for such a God whose compassion humbles and overwhelms us.
Three times the prophet Isaiah would draw our attention to what he is saying with the word “behold” repeated three times –Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him. The word means “see” and is not simply a passing glance or quick look. It has the feel of a fixation, even staring at an object or person with intensity. It is also used to get one’s attention to hear something of extreme importance. Remember the words of the Angel of the Lord to the shepherds when He revealed the Lord Jesus, the Savior, was born? What word did He use? And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
In the instructions of Isaiah to behold our God, there are two thing we are to learn or reaffirm about Him. The first is who we are beholding – God. And not just God, but the One and Only True and Living God. I know that you know that. I know that too, but isn’t it easy to forget this when fear grips us, a tough trial is upon us, or we stay awake at night worrying and fretting over the cares of the world? It is in those times of emotional upheaval we need to stop and behold our God by reminding ourselves who really is in control of all things including what we are going through now.
The second thing to learn or reaffirm is that God, the Creator who spoke all things into being my His Word, is also our gentle, kind, meek, and good Shepherd – 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. As the Lord is so He handles and treats us. He is the Shepherd who loves His sheep, and has proven such love in life, death, and resurrection. The power of the Creator is not only seen in creation but in the power of His love. And because we are the beloved sheep of His pasture, it is the Shepherd’s responsibility to care and protect the sheep. He does so with great delight, gentleness and power; the harmonious blending of our Creator God and Shepherd.
Behold our Shepherd-God. May the Lord help us to do so always and then, rejoice, rest, and be in awe of such a God as ours!
PRAYER: “Father, I cannot praise You enough for being my all-powerful God and gentle Shepherd.”
QUOTE: “When we behold our God, be overwhelmed by His majesty and humbled by His love.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim