A Strong God Who Tenderly Cares for His Sheep

Isaiah gives a second reason why the promise of restoration can be trusted.  The One who makes the promise is a strong God who tenderly cares for his people.  Isaiah continues:  "Make your way up even onto a high mountain, you woman bringing good news for Zion.  Raise your voice even with power, you woman bringing good news for Jerusalem.  Raise it. Do not be afraid. Say to the cities of Judah:  'Here is your God.'  Look! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will come even as a strong one ["even with strength"], and his arm will be ruling for him.  Look! His reward is with him, and the wage he pays is before him.  Like a shepherd he will shepherd his own drove.  With his arm  he will collect together the lams; and in his bosom he will carry them.  Those giving suck he will conduct with care." -Isaiah 40:9-11.

In Bible times it was the custom for women to celebrate victories, crying out or singing the good news of battles won or of coming relief.  (1 Samuel 18:6, 7; Psalm 68:11)  Isaiah prophetically indicates that there is good news for the Jewish exiles, news that can be fearlessly shouted, even from the mountaintops-Jehovah will lead his people back to their beloved Jerusalem!  They can have confidence, for Jehovah will come "even with strength."  Nothing, therefore, can prevent him from fulfilling his promise.

There is, however, a gentle side to this strong God.  Isaiah warmly describes how Jehovah will lead his people back to their homeland.  Jehovah is like a loving shepherd who collects his lambs together and carries them in his "bosom."  The word "bosom" here evidently refers to the upper folds of the garment.  This is where shepherds sometimes carry their newborn lambs that cannot keep pace with the flock. (2 Samuel 12:3) Such a touching scene from pastoral life no doubt reassures Jehovah's exiled people of his loving concern for them.  Surely such a strong yet tender God can be trusted to fulfill what has promised them! 

Isaiah's words are fulfilled with prophetic meaning for our day.  In 1914, Jehovah came "even with strength" and established his Kingdom in the heavens.  the 'arm that is ruling for him' is his Son, Jesus Christ, whom Jehovah has installed upon his heavenly throne.  In 1919, Jehovah delivered his anointed servants on earth from bondage to Babylon the Great and set about  completely restoring the pure worship of the living and true God.  This is good news that must be fearlessly proclaimed, as if by shouting from the mountaintops sot hat the proclamation carries far and wide.  Let us, then, lift up our voices and boldly let others know that Jehovah God has restored his pure worship on this earth! 

The words of Isaiah 40:10, 11 have further practical value for us today.  It is comforting to note the tender manner in which Jehovah leads his people.  Just as a shepherd understands the needs of individual sheep-including the little lambs  that cannot keep up with  the rest-Jehovah understands the limitations of each one of his faithful servants. In addition, Jehovah, as a tender  Shepherd, sets the pattern for Christian shepherds.  Elders must treat the flock with tenderness, imitating the loving concern shown by Jehovah himself.  They must ever be mindful of the way that Jehovah feels about each member of the flock, "which he purchased with the blood of his own Son." -Acts 20:28.

Next time: All-Powerful, All-Wise

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000