The Shepherd

One of most touching passages in Isaiah comes in chapter 40 verse 11. God is called a shepherd                    

 [11] 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.

(Isaiah 40:11 ESV)

  

Here God shows His heart to tend,gather ,carry and lead . A shepherds task was to care and know his flock. Sheep are very easily led astray and can be lead into danger very quickly. A good shepherd knew his flock in such a way that he could tell if they needed something be it the staff for discipline or even a soothing  touch or even the sound of his voice calming them. Is it not comforting to realize that the omnipotent God who created all universe knows you and has your well being in His heart. That no matter what may come , He leads,He carries and will hold you  to  His bosom. 

When Jesus came defeat sin,death,Satan and lay down His life as atoning sacrifice , the good  shepherd lowered Himself and as a lamb , was led to slaughter. Why? So that He might do just as Isaiah 40:11 says God will do. For  think for a moment about what it says. It is God gathering,tending,carrying for His sheep.  No wonder when Jesus refers to Himself as the good shepherd .

[11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

(John 10:11-15 ESV)

Read both of these passages together and see the amazing truth that shows God seeking,saving through the Son , Jesus Christ. What a beautiful,amazing and truly astounding truth . What a Shepherd we have , should we not follow Him ,trust Him and sing His praises. 

Final thought. To those who say Jesus is not God in the flesh , when Jesus calls Himself the good Shepherd he did two things. One , the image of the Shepherd as featured in Isaiah refers to God . Connection one. But not only does Jesus say Shepherd , He calls Himself "the Good Shepherd". Recall the encounter with the rich young man . When he called Jesus good , Jesus said why do you call me good for only God is good. Do the math . Nuff said.