“He will take care of his flock like a shepherd” (10 mins.)
Dear brothers and sisters, let us consider the following image: a little lamb gets lost and finds itself alone and disoriented. Suddenly, it hears a familiar voice: it is the shepherd who was looking for it. He approaches, bends down, takes it in his arms, holds it close to his chest, and leads it back to the fold.
What a tender image! This scene depicts Jehovah, who is not a distant or cold God, but a loving Shepherd who tenderly protects, guides, and cares for each of his sheep. Today we will examine three ways in which Jehovah demonstrates that he truly cares for his flock like a loving shepherd.
Jehovah has given us his Word, the Bible, and has preserved it to this day so that we may draw close to him (Is 40:8; w23.02 2, 3 pars. 3, 4).
In a world where everything changes and disappears, Jehovah, through his Word, gives us an extraordinary guarantee: even though everything in this world passes away, his Word will remain.
LET'S READ ISAIAH 40:8
“The green grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Now, let's think about this: the Bible was written thousands of years ago on materials that deteriorated easily. We don't have the original documents. So how is it possible that we can read it with such confidence today?
Because Jehovah made sure that faithful copies were made. Although the copyists were imperfect, they were extremely careful. In fact, experts acknowledge that no other work from antiquity has been transmitted as accurately as the Scriptures.
This teaches us something very important: Jehovah wanted us to have his Word. He has protected it through centuries, wars, persecutions, and prohibitions. For what purpose? So that we can draw close to him.
James 1:17 says that “all good gifts and all perfect gifts” come from Jehovah. The Bible is one of the best gifts he has given us. And a gift reveals much about the giver. It shows us that Jehovah knows us, that he knows what we need, and that he wants to guide us.
By reading the Bible, we learn about God's wisdom, justice, and love. It is not just an ancient book; it is the voice of our Shepherd guiding us today.
He cares for us with tenderness (Is 40:11; cl 70 par. 7).
In Ezekiel 34:11-16, Jehovah promises that he himself would search for his sheep and care for them. Furthermore, the following text shows us a touching detail: the shepherd gathers the lambs and carries them “close to his bosom.”
LET'S READ ISAIAH 40:11
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arms and hold them close to his heart. He will gently lead the ewes that are nursing their young.”
A lamb cannot pull itself up to the shepherd's chest. It may approach and give him a little nudge on the leg, but it is the shepherd who bends down, gently picks it up, and places it against his chest.
That image helps us understand something very beautiful: when we are weak, when we feel small or overwhelmed, Jehovah does not reject us. He bends down to us.
There may be times when we feel spiritually weary, discouraged, or burdened by family, financial, or health problems. Perhaps we feel we can barely offer a "knock" for help in prayer. But that is enough for our Pastor to act.
Jehovah does not care for us harshly, but with tenderness. He disciplines us with love, guides us with patience, and comforts us with his Word. Like a good shepherd, he does not push the weak sheep; he sustains them.
He knows each one of us and helps us to cope with our problems (Is 40:26-29; w18.01 8 pars. 4-6).
The Bible invites us to lift our eyes and look at the heavens. Jehovah calls each star by name. In our galaxy alone there may be as many as 400 billion stars. And he knows them all.
LET'S READ ISAIAH 40:26
“Lift up your eyes to the heavens and see. Who created these things? He brings them out like an army, numbering them one by one; he calls them all by name. His dynamic energy is so immense and his power so awesome that not one of them is missing.”
If Jehovah cares so much for inanimate creation, how much more for you, who serve him out of love?
Jesus said at Matthew 10:30: “But in your case, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” That means Jehovah knows us intimately. He knows our struggles, our silent tears, our deepest concerns.
Psalm 37:18 says that “Jehovah knows what the blameless go through, and their inheritance will last forever.” He knows exactly what we are going through. No trial escapes his notice.
But Jehovah not only knows our problems; he also gives us strength to face them.
Jehovah is the source of dynamic energy. Consider the sun. Every second it releases an astounding amount of energy, equivalent to billions of atomic bombs. And yet, Jehovah is the one who sustains it. If he can keep the sun functioning, can he not give us the strength we need to endure our trials?
Isaiah 40:29 says that “He gives strength to the weary and gives power to the weak.” And Jesus confirmed this truth when He said, “Take my yoke upon you… and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Isn't it true that sometimes we arrive exhausted at a meeting or in the ministry, but return home strengthened? That shows that Jehovah really does sustain us. His service doesn't crush us; it revitalizes us.
Illustration
The picture in our activity guide shows two elders visiting a sister and her two children at her home. In this way, Jehovah shows us that he lovingly cares for his flock, providing comfort and guidance through his Word and his organization.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, Jehovah truly cares for his flock like a shepherd. He does so by giving us his Word and preserving it to guide us. He does so by treating us with tenderness, like a shepherd who carries the lamb close to his heart. And he does so by knowing us intimately and giving us the strength we need to face any problem.
If at any time we feel weak, let us remember this image: our Shepherd is willing to bend down, pick us up and tenderly carry us to his breast.
Let us continue to trust in him, drawing near to his Word and gladly accepting his gentle yoke. In this way we will see each day that Jehovah cares for us with love, power, and tenderness.
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