“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
The top hand is larger now as this picture was taken a few years ago. Wilkes turns 7 on March 21! The bottom hand belongs to Rex who turns 89 on March 19. My hand is on his and Taylor’s is on mine. As we lead our young so the Good Shepherd gently leads His sheep.
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (Isaiah 46:4) The One who created us cares for us… whether our hair is dark and thick or white and thinning (or absent), He carries us.
“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13) The Good Shepherd says: ‘Fear not; I am with you.’ “He guides me along the right paths for His Name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:3-4)
‘My sheep hear My voice and will not listen to others…’ Why would we listen to enemies or trust the hired hands who run away when there is danger? No… we will listen to the perfect Shepherd who laid down His life for us and promises to be with us forever.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:5-6
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me—just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:11-15
“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30