Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales.
Isaiah 40: 10-12

LEAN IN
Have you heard the phrase “lean in” lately? I first heard it earlier this year as the title of a book encouraging people to achieve their goals and to strive for leadership. I now hear it in varied contexts, but its usage seems to be encouraging us to come closer to something and to be a part of something.

While listening to and watching the video of He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd from the Messiah by Handel, I realized that this song has caused me to “lean in” every time I heard it. Over the years, I have literally and figuratively “leaned in” to hear the notes, to hear the words, and to hear my own response to Isaiah’s words.

Nothing is superfluous in the score of the Messiah, and each note is so defined and important that I am drawn from one note to the next. Before I realize it, one note has me waiting for the next note and wanting to be carried further along. The music is like a shepherd beckoning me, drawing me, and then leading me along.

In the same way, the words also draw me in. They are straightforward, intentional, and descriptive; and I find that I want to participate in voicing them. As I join in, I am reminded that there is time to say each word clearly and thoughtfully. There is time to remember each word. There is time to reflect on each word. I find myself “leaning in” because I want to get closer to the shepherd and respond to his care.

Isaiah first says that the shepherd feeds his flock. I can see the shepherd daily taking his flock to a green field and the flock heartily eating with the result that they can carry on and continue to follow the shepherd. Paul says in Philippians that he knew that God was providing for both his physical and spiritual needs daily and that that was the reason he was able to carry on. The assurance of God’s daily provision was everything to Paul. I want to respond to the green grass the shepherd provides for me daily and carry on.

Isaiah goes on to say that the shepherd will give special care to the lambs by gathering them in his arms and bringing them in close. I can picture the lambs “leaning in,” feeling the shepherd’s heartbeat, and feeling comforted and safe that the shepherd is taking them in the right direction. I want to respond to the shepherd’s special care in the same way—“leaning in” and going with him.

Finally, Isaiah says that in some situations the shepherd gently leads. I have the mental image of the shepherd watching for those in his flock who because of circumstances need tender guidance. I can see them being willing to follow his instructions because they know that they will recover and become stronger. I want to respond to the shepherd’s leadership, trusting that I will become what he wants.
Karen Schwenke, Assistant Professor of English Language Studies Program

SAVIOR, like a Shepherd lead us, much we need your tender care;
In your pleasant pastures feed us; for our use your folds prepare.
Gentle Shepherd, do befriend us; be the guardian of our way.
Keep your flock from sin, defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when they pray
Amen