Isaiah 36-40

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (40:11). Isaiah declared that God was eager to care for all those who trusted in Him. King Hezekiah modeled trust in God when, threatened by the Assyrian empire, he consulted the prophet and prayed desperately in the Temple (ch 37). Isaiah said that God’s mercy and love was even greater than what they had experienced: “good news” and comfort was coming (40:9).

“Even youths grow tired and weary ... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (40:31). Our vulnerability and weaknesses teach us to put our hope in the Lord, the Good Shepherd who carries us.