go on up to a high mountain, o zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, o jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of judah, “behold your God!” behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. he will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. [isaiah 40:9-11]
“behold your God!”
isaiah calls the nation of judah to behold, to see the that the Lord…
1) has COME (the Lord God comes)
2) has come with POWER (the Lord God comes with might)
3) he comes as the RULER as the king (his arm rules for him)
4) has an EARNING with him (his reward is with him)
i ask the Spirit of the living God to open our eyes to see him in this moment.
the LORD
has come to you – for you,
with power that is almighty – to save and transform,
as ruler, as king – to rule you,
so you are WITH HIM – you are his reward.
(he will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. – isaiah 40:11)
as your KING – he will tend, gather, carry, gently lead – you.
live in this tension today as you see him…
live in this beautiful and awe-inspiring reality as you see him…
if you claim Jesus as savior, if you follow Jesus as your master – he is KING and SHEPHERD.
see him – o LORD – open our eyes to see you…
he rules and he cares for you!
he commands and he carries you!
he is powerful over all your sin and he will gather you to himself when you stray!
he is our leader and he will gently lead you!
o LORD, open the eyes of our heart so we fully see you today. all day – open our eyes to see you come near to us in power. all day – open our eyes to see you as king who lead us – and lead us gently. yes LORD – open our eyes!
in Jesus’ name – amen!
~ john ryan