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11 He 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 NKJV
As a shepherd and especially during lambing season every cell in my body feels the optimism of this verse. To the Israelites under Babylonian captivity, this promise of hope and the coming Messiah must have been incredible news.
As I supported my ewe Rocket as she delivered her twins this week and helped her firstborn get free of the sac I was overcome by immeasurable gratitude for Jesus and His loving protection over His flock. God desires a personal connection with every one of us.
This has been a difficult lambing season for our family we have lost two lambs we struggled valiantly to save, and we still have multiple ewes lambing in the next few days. In the highs and the lows, I can feel the love of Jesus in my heart. I can imagine the image of Him with a beautiful flock of sheep on lush green pasture, cradling the freshly born lambs in his arms, wiping the sac from their faces, and lavishing His love on their first breaths. I imagine His gentle care for the tired ewes overwhelmed by the incessant nursing of multiple lambs who rambunctiously frolic about. He knows them all by name, they may look identical to the untrained eye, but He knows each one. They are special, they are unique, they are His.
I cannot do it alone Jesus. I need you, with every beat of my heart, I need you, with every breath that I take, move that I make, word that I utter, I need you! I need you especially when I do not think that I do, I need you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for your nurturing, your loving care, and your incredible patience for your flock. You are my shepherd, and I will follow you. -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory.
-Love Cortney