Thoughts for another day

November 17, 2006

Today's verse: Is. 40:11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. (KJV)

When I was a child, I used to be always fascinated with the picture of the good Shepherd. Yes, what a picture it makes. Truly the art reflects the sanctity of the moment when the little lamb rests securely in the arms of the Shepherd.

There is at that time such tranquility and serenity. For the little lamb the shepherd is the ultimate symbol of security and comfort. In the arms of the shepherd, the sheep have no worry. The enemy may come, but then he has to contend with the shepherd. And if the shepherd is of the type who at any cost will save the sheep from the enemy, even to the cost of his life then the enemy need be scared, very scared. And that is the case with our God. He is the good Shepherd. One who has laid down His life for the sheep.

Isaiah clearly mentions the role of our beloved Father as the good Shepherd. That He will feed us and will gather us and carry us in His bosom and lead us on. David in his ode to the good Shepherd talks about his fearlessness in the presence of the Shepherd because his Shepherd is not anybody but the Creator of the universe.

Our good Shepherd deals with our enemies in every way that they are to be dealt with. He covers us with His arms and provides us warmth beyond comprehension and fullness of life. And when danger comes our way, like David we could say, ‘even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I shall not fear for He is there!’