By Rex Wiseley
Read today’s scripture: Isaiah 40: 9-11
9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 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.
A great worship chorus that I love to sing echoes, “I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord.” What a wonderful sentiment and promise for all of us who believe in God’s providence!
Here, in these few verses, we see that the prophet of our Lord is sent by God to announce His coming and to lift up their voices unabashedly that God is here. Interestingly, the phrase “good tidings,” found in verse 9, is how God’s good news is typically translated into English (at least in the NIV). Ever hear of this phrase before, or perhaps, glad tidings, from any Christmas songs? Listen for it, it’s there. (God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen; We Wish You a Merry Christmas, etc.)
Furthermore in these verses, is the fact that we see God’s handiwork and his dual nature from verses 10 & 11. Verse 10 clearly shows God’s strong hand and power to rule and lead as a King. The ruler’s strength, as we see it, is then followed up in verse 11, by the hand of kindness and gentleness that is displayed by a shepherd as He cares for the sheep. Special care is specifically passed along to the lambs that are weak and young and cannot care for themselves. All of us, as God’s people, need to revel in God’s power as a King as well as his care as a shepherd. Let’s lift up our eyes and our voices to and about our Lord this day!
