“See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 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.” Isaiah 40:10-11.
In the way the prophets and the people in the Old Testament were attentively awaiting the coming of the Messiah, we also, as the people of the New Testament await for the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ’s second coming. Today, He who rules in our hearts and minds will return to rule over the entire world. In the Holy Scriptures — Asdvadzashunch, in obedience to God’s guidance, the prophet in this passage announces the coming of the Messiah. The prophet presents three images through which the Messiah will reveal Himself.
First, our Lord Jesus Christ will return to our world through might. Humanity witnessed the power of our Lord at His first coming, where God “erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:14-15) Christ will return again with power, to rule with might, by defeating and judging His opponents. We find this image of God’s mighty judgment in the Book of Revelations, where we read about our Lord Jesus Christ’s second coming and the end of the world.
Second, our Lord Jesus Christ will return to reward His children. This reward is the fulfillment of our Lord’s promise to the people of the new and old covenants. In the Book of Revelation, Christ says it this way, “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work.” (Revelation 22:12) This reward, of which Christ speaks of, is a blessing to God’s children who have patiently endured until the end, where He grants them freedom, victory, and peace. At the same time, this reward is a judgment to those who have rejected God and His commandments.
Third, our Lord Jesus Christ will return with compassion. Our Lord Jesus Christ during his first coming announced that He is the good shepherd (John 10:11). Also, during his second coming, he will come as the brave and good shepherd, proclaimed by the prophet, saying “He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom.” Ruling with power and might, but also through compassion, He will gather His sheep with loving care in His arms. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ is the good shepherd who cares for our needs. He seeks us and finds us when we are wandering and lost. He nourishes us through His Word, He strengthens us, and heals our wounds. The good shepherd will lead us from the valley of disappointments towards His compassionate and steadfast loving heart.
Weak, sinful, and defeated human beings need a powerful, generous, and compassionate Savior. Around 2000 years ago, He came for our salvation, and once again He will come to judge all of His and our enemies, rewarding His children and taking them under His loving arms. “Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
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