Isaiah 40:10-11

"Behold the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
Isaiah 40:10-11


This is cool.  It’s a scripture associated with the last days, talking about Christ's return and how he will watch over his people.  I like it for several reasons.  One, because it doesn't talk about fire raining from heaven to consume the chaff or something... sometimes I relate was too well to the chaff.  Anyway... I also like it because of the contrast with other images in the old testament.  I wrote a paper in college once about "the arm of the Lord" ... how it was stretched out both to destroy and to save... etc.  ... but anyway, I like the image of God's arm in this one... first it is strong, and he will rule, and then you see him in the next verse using his arm to feed his flock... to cradle the young lambs, and to gently lead.  It kind of shows both sides... the authority and power, and also the gentleness and goodness... that God is all of these things.  Ultimate power, and also ultimate love... at the same time.