Carried In His Arms (Psalm 28:9)

 


Thursday, 11 September, 2025


Psalms 28; 29

1 Kings 8:54-66

Acts 27:33-44


Observance: Mother Esther CHN, founder of the Community of the Holy Name (Melbourne) (d. 1931)


Carried In His Arms (Psalm 28:9)


Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.


It is a reliable thing, that when two or more clergy are gathered together, they will begin talking about funerals. Don’t ask me why, we just can’t seem to help ourselves. A common theme in these discussions is the fact that we get so many funeral requests from people who have a faint yet persistent cultural memory of Christianity, meaning that even if the family hasn’t ever read the Bible, they still know “that poem about the shepherd” – Psalm 23.


This idea of God as our shepherd is such a comforting concept, and the Bible is flush with it. Even in a Psalm like the 28th, where the Psalmist is crying out to God for deliverance not only from wicked people, but wickedness itself, the idea of God as our shepherd pops up.


Where the Old Testament laid the groundwork for the shepherd-God, Jesus came and fulfilled it, when he called himself the Good Shepherd. And he was even able to relate it to his atoning death: the good shepherd that laid down his life for the sheep. A shepherd is a good ruler to have. The side that faces outwards is fierce, brave and strong; the side that faces inwards is gentle, kind and loving. When our God beholds those who would hurt his flock, he is terrifying. When our God then looks at us, he is heart-meltingly wonderful. (You can almost imagine a weather-worn shepherds face breaking into a smile, with well-worn grooves showing a face familiar with smiling at those he loves.)


How do you conceptualise God’s love for you? How does the idea of God as your shepherd fit into that concept?


Jesus our Good Shepherd, who laid down your life that we may live: be to us a strong defender and patient carer, that we may rest in your arms, and finally be carried to that gentle place where we may rest with you forever.

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