His Lambs

"He shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom." - Is. 40:11

Mark in this sweet scripture how Jesus is described, in not only attending to all the various needs of his fold, but also to the very method of imparting to all their needs in a way corresponding to his own character.

In the fold of Jesus, some are sheep and some are lambs; some of advanced age and some of younger standing. Where does the Lord put the lambs and weaklings of his fold? Certainly, if there be one place in the heart of Jesus softer and more tender than another, there the lambs shall lay. And as Jesus himself lay in the bosom of the Father, so the lambs of his flock shall lay in his bosom.

Sweet thought to encourage you and all the followers of the good Shepherd. Jesus will not thrust out the lambs into the dangers of the wilderness, where the prowling beasts of prey are, nor expose them to over-driving or to the speed which the more mature sheep can travel. But he will proportion their burden to their own back and their day to their specific strength.

Beside this, he will keep them nearer to himself; his arms shall clasp them; the warmth of his bosom will nourish them; if they cannot walk, they will be carried; when they cannot find their way, they will be led.

O, thou great Shepherd of the sheep, is it thus that you sweetly deal with your little ones? Here then it is explained why it is that young believers, in the first seasons of their knowledge of Thee, find so many blessed refreshings, which they afterward to not so much sense or enjoy. Yes, Lord, it is thus that you gather the lambs and carry them in your bosom. And sweetly do you do all this, and in a way which fully proves your love and compassion to the necessities of thy flock.

- Robert Hawker