December 10, 2010

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, . . . He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers his lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:10a, 11

Do you notice anything a little subtle about the prophecy from Isaiah above? The two pictures of Jesus that almost seem contradictory? I once watched a Russian violinist in concert, a big strong man with huge hands who obviously could have crushed his violin with one blow, but when he put his bow to the strings, some gentle thing came from him and he almost caressed it as he brought forth the loveliest of sounds!

Isaiah pictures Jesus like this. A strong Messiah but also a gentle shepherd.

Recently I met with our new choir director, Dixie Lay. Jera, her two year old, was also with us, quietly drawing a masterpiece for her father while Dixie and I planned for the children's ministry in music. Tiring of her work, Jera soon climbed into her mother's lap and nestled quietly against her heart, and I wondered if the rhythmic beat soothed her.

That's what Isaiah says of Jesus our Shepherd. With strong hands, he'll nestle us close to his heart so we can be soothed by its rhythm. Oh, my! What a Savior!

Father, cause us to trust you as your strong hand takes outs, and cause us to rest next to your heart. Amen.