10242026 Gentle Shepherd

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our gentle Shepherd.

“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” (Isaiah 40:11).

God illustrates His care for those who are most needy by speaking of Himself as a shepherd. Sheep are noted for their helplessness. In order to survive, they need a shepherd to look after them. Within the scenario of a shepherd with his sheep, God chooses the most vulnerable of the flock to illustrate His point. He speaks of the young lambs and of the recent mothers who are caring for their newborns.

God tells of His care for the delicate lambs and for the over-worked mothers with fragile bundles to care for. Far from leaving these vulnerable ones out, God makes a point to express His care for them. The picture created is a very tender one. God doesn’t simply fulfill His obligation to these needy lambs and ewes. He takes the time and effort to do so appropriately. He takes special care to treat them tenderly. He tends all of His flock, leading it to pasture so it can find the food it needs, but with the fragile ones, He is especially attentive.

God sees the tiny lambs who are tottering on their skinny legs and who don’t have the energy to walk for long distances. He gathers those lambs into His arms and carries them close to His heart. He doesn’t expect from them what they cannot do. Neither does He handle them roughly, slinging them over His shoulder. Instead He cherishes them and carries them in the most tender and safest way possible. He does not hurry the nursing ewes along or push them beyond their limits. He leads them gently because He knows their limitations. He loves them, and His kindness is expressed every time He leads them. Our Father, the Great Shepherd, knows how to deal gently with those He loves.

May God hold you tenderly and lead you patiently as you rest in His care.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA