Isaiah 40:10-11
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
He will come, both mighty and gentle, a conquering king and a compassionate shepherd. These were the marks of the Messiah to come, the Messiah Israel longed for.
The Israelites sights were set on their immediate plight: their captivity in Babylon. They longed for deliverance from their present circumstances, but they needed deliverance from their sin. They sought earthly relief when they needed eternal redemption. But God, in his grace, knew exactly what their true needs were. And his promise was greater than they could possibly imagine.
In the same way, we are often overwhelmed by dire situations. We too seek immediate relief rather than eternal reward. But God, in his grace, knows exactly what our true needs are as well. And his promise continues to be greater than we could possibly imagine: a conquering King, a compassionate Shepherd, and a glorious Savior.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
- Titus 2:11-14
