9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear, say to the cities of Judah,‘Here is your God!’ 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

This scripture passage starts out boldly: “Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem…do not fear…say ‘Here is your God!'”

Jerusalem has had a rough year. My family has had a rough year, too, and our nation has faced upheaval in this election year. The world has dealt with hurricanes, floods, wars, and pestilence. We’re probably all in the mood for some words of strength. We can appreciate exhortations to lift up our voices and share good tidings.

Yet the passage very quickly turns much softer, giving us the picture of Jesus gently caring for sheep. Sheep don’t seem to have rough years. They hold no political rallies and never look like they’re fretting over philosophical issues or worrying about the future. The image of a lamb snuggling in the arms of Jesus is about as peaceful as you can get.

The message for us may be that it is God’s strength that allows us to rest in the arms of Jesus and to follow Him confidently as He gently lead us. God shares His strength with us, empowering us to lift up our voices with strength when that is what we need to do…and also allowing us to rest when we need that peace.

Blessed Lord, thank you for strengthening us and giving us courage to face the troubles of the world, to do justice, and to show mercy. Thank you, too, for supporting us when we need your tender care.

Contributed by Rebecca Haden