Spurgeon's Morning and Evening
Evening, May 14
"He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom."
Isaiah 40:11
Who is he of whom such gracious words are spoken? He is the Good
Shepherd. Why doth he carry the lambs in his bosom? Because He hath a
tender heart, and any weakness at once melts his heart. The sighs, the
ignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of his flock draw forth
his compassion. It is his office, as a faithful High Priest, to
consider the weak. Besides, he purchased them with blood, they are his
property: he must and will care for that which cost him so dear. Then
he is responsible for each lamb, bound by covenant engagements not to
lose one. Moreover, they are all a part of his glory and reward.
But how may we understand the expression, "He will carry them"?
Sometimes he carries them by not permitting them to endure much trial.
Providence deals tenderly with them. Often they are "carried" by being
filled with an unusual degree of love, so that they bear up and stand
fast. Though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness
in what they do know. Frequently he "carries" them by giving them a
very simple faith, which takes the promise just as it stands, and
believingly runs with every trouble straight to Jesus. The simplicity
of their faith gives them an unusual degree of confidence, which
carries them above the world.
"He carries the lambs in his bosom." Here is boundless affection. Would
he put them in his bosom if he did not love them much? Here is tender
nearness: so near are they, that they could not possibly be nearer.
Here is hallowed familiarity: there are precious love-passages between
Christ and his weak ones. Here is perfect safety: in his bosom who can
hurt them? They must hurt the Shepherd first. Here is perfect rest and
sweetest comfort. Surely we are not sufficiently sensible of the
infinite tenderness of Jesus!
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