Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 14– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“He will gather the lambs with his arm and carry them close to his chest.”.” 

—Isaiah 40:11

Who is the One of whom such gracious words are spoken? He is the Good Shepherd. And why does he carry the lambs close to his chest? Because he is tender toward those he loves; the weakness in his lambs melts his heart. The weary sighs, the ignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of his flock bring forth his compassion. It is his office as a faithful High Priest to consider the weak. Besides, he purchased them with blood, they are his property. He must and will care for that which cost him so dearly. He is responsible for each lamb, bound by covenant engagements not to lose a single one. They are all a part of his glory and reward.

But how may we understand the expression, “He will carry them”? Sometimes he carries them by keeping them away from enduring much trial. His providence deals tenderly with them. Often they are “carried” by being filled with an unusual degree of love so that they persevere and stand fast. Though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness in what they do know. Frequently he “carries” them by giving them a very simple faith which takes the promise just as it stands and believingly runs with every trouble straight to Jesus. The simplicity of their faith gives them an unusual degree of confidence which carries them above the world.

Jesus carries his lambs close to his chest. Here is boundless affection. Would he put them near his chest if he didn’t love them? What tender nearness! They are so near that they could not possibly be nearer. This is holy familiarity— the precious exchange of love between Christ and his weak ones. This is perfect safety, for who can hurt the lambs when they are close to his chest? The Shepherd must be hurt first. This is perfect rest and the sweetest comfort. Surely, we are not sufficiently aware of the infinite tenderness of Jesus! [M&E]