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Read Isaiah 40:9-11
“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” (v. 11).
Have you ever seen young parents with several small children in a busy place? They try to carry on conversations even as their eyes dart around, constantly keeping track of their children’s movements. Every once in a while one parent may step away from the cluster of adults to count the children. As soon as Daddy runs down the list and assures himself that all are still nearby, he rejoins the conversation.
What happens when his count comes up short? The conversation is forgotten. Perhaps he begins by gathering the children to his wife’s side — he does not want to have to search for more than one — then he begins to walk in an ever-widening circle, looking behind and under things as he goes, until he finds his lost child. When the child is found, he may even scoop him up and not let him go again.
That is the image of our concerned Shepherd. He guides us as loving parents do young children. He does not give us a list of rules and expect us to be able to follow them on our own. He watches us closely, provides the Holy Spirit for encouragement and wisdom, and seeks us out when we lose our way. (Michelle Avery)
Praise the Lord! He cares for us.
This is the Tuesday, December 24, 2013, devotional of Opening the Word.
Photo Credit: appoose81 of flckr.com.