28-29 July 2014
- Strong Hand, Yet Gentle – Manna by Dorothy Callies
Isaiah
40:10a-11b “Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall
rule for Him … and he shall gather the
lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom …” [KJV].
Isaiah
prophesied the salvation and hope for Israel from the beginning of chapter 40.
Why? From chapter 39:6-8, Isaiah prophesied their future captivity with Babylon
and that was discouraging for them to hear. It was fulfilled during Jeremiah’s
time 585-580 B.C. They may have lost hope that God really care for
them. They may have seen only God’s power in punishment for their disobedience
and sins.
During 700-680 B.C. Isaiah, the
prophet gave a message to the people what God was like from chapter 1 through
39. Isaiah prophesied of God’s judgment and He comes with strong hand. God
comes with power. God’s arm shall rule.
Yes, God comes
with authority like a mighty ruler, yet Isaiah revealed that His presence was also
like that of a caring shepherd tending His lambs. Even Isaiah prophesied the
sign of Immanuel, God with us (7:1-25). NLT quote, “He will feed His flock like
a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His
heart. He will gently lead mother sheep with their young” (Is.40:11.
What impressed
me was like this:
Like a mighty
God who comes in His great majestic power … He marched down with all the
warring angels … walking along conquering … yet when He sees a child ... sat down by
the tree … and heard the crying … He stopped … knelt down … His heart touched … He picked up the child … hold it close to Him … wipe the tears … gently
speak to a child, “It’s okay ... I’m here …”
Oh … This is you
… God heard your cry … He came down … He said to you, “It’s okay, I’m here for
you. Trust me to lead you …”
Song: Love
Lifted Me
I was sinking
deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore;
Very deeply
stained within, Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master
of the sea, Heard my despairing cry;
From the waters
lifted me, Now safe am I.
Chorus:
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing
else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing
else could help,
Love lifted me.
(James Rowe,
Sing His Praise)
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