1165)  Because the Bible was written thousands of years ago, the parallels and illustrations are set during those times. If God wanted to give readers in those days an accurate idea of what his love and tenderness is like, it’s logical he was using lambs and a shepherd. If these words were written now, what would the writer use in the lamb’s place?

Perhaps Isaiah would have said God tends to people like a devoted animal shelter worker who gathers the “orphans” in their arms and carries them close. I’m not sure, but we can all relate to this type of care and love.

If you’re feeling unimportant and unloved, God communicates to you through Isaiah. He wants you to remember he is a loving and tender God who is not on the look-out to catch you in the wrong.

Isn’t God a judge also? Yes, but his love and justice are nothing like what we have seen demonstrated by people.

The bottom line here in Isaiah is that God gently gathers us in his arms, so he won’t scare us. He wants to encourage us to snuggle against him, knowing he will always protect us. On top of that, the shepherd even died for the lambs.

You ARE important and loved.  Isaiah 40:11