You who bring good news to Zion,
    go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
    lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,
    “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young.

Just recently, Jilly and I attended a beautiful Sunday morning service. God was truly there and being worshipped. We were very much aware of His presence, even though we were a very small company. Our being there took the overall number to eight (including the preacher). As I was in prayer, it suddenly struck me what a truly counter-cultural thing it is just to go to church – particularly in settings where, it seems, very few want to go. Yes, Christian witness is about much more than church attendance, but don’t miss its significance as a testimony to others. (It may also still be a goad for some consciences).

I hear the call to unashamed and unafraid witness in these words from Isaiah. The world is so in need of the good news of the gospel. The good news in Isaiah’s day concerned the defeat of Babylon and the release of the Jewish captives (52:7-9); the good news today is that Jesus has defeat Satan and sin at the Cross, and He will liberate all who put their faith in Him (61:1-3; Lk.4:18-19)

In the original context, the people of God were being told that the God who was going to bring them home from captivity is both great (10) and good (11); He is powerful and strong, and He is loving, kind and tender. His people would have a long and arduous journey ahead of them, but the Lord would be with them, providing close and personal attention. ‘God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (Isa.40:10), but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v.11)’ Warren W. Wiersbe: ‘Old Testament Commentary’, p.1185.

The picture of God as Shepherd is a familiar one in the Old Testament, and it finds its fulfilment in Jesus who said,  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” (John 10:14).

It’s personal…it is all so personal.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to believe that you love me, and you have all the details of my life in your care.