In Isaiah, chapter forty, verse ten, “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.” Savation, blessing, and comfort are all associated with the coming of the Lord to His faithful people. He comes with power and authority like a mighty ruler. Yet His presence is like that of a caring Shepherd tending His lambs, as in Genesis forty-nine, verse twenty-four, “But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:).” Also in Ezekiel thirty-four, verse twenty-three, chapter thirty-seven, verse twenty-four, John ten, verses eleven and fourteen, Hebrews thirteen, verse twenty, and First Peter five, verse four, “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” This truth should fill God’s people with faith, hope, and prayerful longing for His nearness and special visitation: while they look for the day of His return and of final redemption, as in First Thessalonians four, verses fourteen through eighteen.
This shepherd is Jesus the Messiah, who came from the lineage of David. He shepherded God’s people as a righteous priest, prophet, and king. He is “the good shepherd,” who laid down His life for the sheep. In the future, when God’s people are restored to their land, the Messiah will set up His kingdom of peace and justice.
God’s knowledge of and love for His children involve personal affection, faithfulness, and constant providential care. The believers are engraved on the palms of His hands. Saints of God are never out of God’s mind, for God’s eye continually watches over us for our good.