“[The LORD God] will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young” (Isaiah 40.11).

Isaiah’s prophecy provides two major understandings of God that are often viewed as somewhat of a paradox. Chapters 1-39 feature God as the just and holy judge who always does what is right. Chapters 40-66 present God as the merciful and compassionate shepherd who gently delivers His people. 

The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He will feed His flock. He will feed me through His Word and His exceeding great and precious promises. Everything else in this world does not satisfy. Jesus teaches me that I shouldn’t work for food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life (John 6.27). He is the bread of life. I come to Him and find that I never go hungry. I find that I am never alone. If I turn away from Him, where can I go? He has the words of eternal life.

My Shepherd gathers me with His arm and carries me in His bosom. He protects me. He found me in the barren wastelands of sin, guilt, regret, and hopelessness. Here I am deep in the darkened valley of the shadow of death earning my own wage of eternal death …going my own way. He speaks to me in this present darkness. He does so through the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word. He carries me home to His flock rejoicing. He laid down His life for me. I am secure. No one shall pluck me from His hand. He provides for me a place to lie down beside the still waters. I am at perfect peace as I trust in Him!

My Shepherd gently leads me. I have been sick, injured, and beaten down. He prepares a table before me. His goodness and mercy follows me all the days of my life. I am weak; He is strong. I am needy; He is gentle. He is compassionate as a father with his child. He makes me strong in the power of His might.

My Shepherd calls my name. I go in and out and find pasture with Him. He is the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne. He shepherds me and leads me to living fountains of waters. One day, He will gently wipe away every tear from my eye. I do not know any other voice. I will not follow the voice of strangers.