. . . he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom . . . Isaiah 40:11
Who is He of whom such gracious words are spoken? He is the Good Shepherd. Why does He carry the lambs in His bosom? Because He has a tender heart, and any weakness at once melts His heart. The sighs, the ignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of His flock — draw forth His compassion. He purchased them with blood, they are His property — He must and will care for that which cost Him so dear.
Here is boundless affection. Would He put them in His bosom — if He did not love them much? The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)
Here is tender nearness — so near are they, that they could not possibly be nearer. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)
Here is hallowed familiarity — there are precious love-passages between Christ and His weak ones. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)
Here is perfect safety — in His bosom, who can hurt them? They must hurt the Shepherd first. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
Here is perfect rest and sweetest comfort. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Surely we are not sufficiently sensible of the infinite tenderness of Jesus!
-C.H Spurgeon
