ONE WHO WILL FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD: Isaiah 40:9-11

DAY 16: ONE WHO WILL FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD          

LINK: Isaiah 40:9-11                   

Symbol: Sheep with Shepherd’s Staff

Why do sheep need a shepherd?

How is Jesus like a shepherd? 

Why do you think God’s angels told the shepherds to GO SEE baby Jesus?

BBC BACKGROUND from Isaiah 40

The book of Isaiah makes a shift from judgment in the first 39 chapters to comfort, restoration, and deliverance by God in the remaining 27. It is interesting to note that there are also 66 books in the Bible. The Old Testament contains 39 books. The New Testament contains 27.

The remaining 27 chapters are divided into three parts of nine chapters each. These three parts center around three events:

1. Deliverance from the Babylonian Captivity that was prophesied in Isaiah 39:7 (Chapters 40-48).
2. Rejection and restoration of the Suffering Servant- Jesus (Chapters 49-57).
3. Restoration of Israel and the world with the coming of the Messiah Jesus (Chapters 58-66).

The prophecies of Isaiah were written 100 years before Judah fell to Babylon.

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

The voice of peace (vv. 9–11). Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory over the enemy. To “bring good tidings” means “to preach the Good News.” The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7–9). The Good News today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Jesus Christ and the salvation of all who will trust in Him (61:1–3; Luke 4:18–19). God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (Isa. 40:10), but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v. 11). “We are coming home!” would certainly be good news to the devastated cities of Judah (1:7; 36:1; 37:26). (Be Comforted: "Be” Commentary Series, p. 109)

REFLECTION

Over the last four days, we have learned quite a bit about Jesus from the book of Isaiah: 

• He is the promised one from the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5)
• He will establish peace and rest (Isaiah 11:6-9)
• He is the Light in a dark world (Isaiah 9:2)
• He will reign (Isaiah 9:6)
• He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
• He is the gentle caring shepherd (Isaiah 40:9-11)

Tomorrow, we will see Him as the Suffering Servant.

APPLICATION/PRAYER

Isaiah 40:11 (along with Matthew 11:28-30) is in Handel's Messiah! The music implies the gentleness of our God. I pray this movement in the oratorio gives you great comfort in this busy season. (And join me for Messiah Meditations at Christmas!)

PRAYER

Thank You for being our Gentle Shepherd. I pray we would all know Your wonderful care in the coming days. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.