A friend of mine recently had a baby. Upon meeting this little one and holding her, the kindness of God washed over me. I have always loved babies. The purity, the dependence of an infant, the fragility, the gift of life (and so much more!) draws me closer to the heart of God. In these verses, I am drawn to the kindness of God’s heart. Even in a time of exile and persecution, God comforts His people, saying that He will “carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” No matter what you are carrying, caring for, or feeling persecution from, God can carry you.
“O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
Isaiah 40:9-11