Salvation is an achievement no one could attain on their own; not even the mightiest angels in Heaven could accomplish it. The consequences of sin, including the anger of Almighty God, had to be addressed. Who could bear this immense burden? It would instantly crush even the mightiest archangel. No one could endure it except God’s divine Son, who willingly took on the responsibility to bear it in our place. The Father appointed Him as our sin-atoning substitute, satisfying divine justice and upholding the law through His obedience unto death. This allowed for the extension of saving mercy to us and the reconciliation between God and His chosen people.
However, it was not sufficient for Jesus to die for their sins alone. As it is written, “He will care for His flock as a Shepherd. He will hold the young lambs close to His heart in His arms. He will gently guide the mother sheep with their young!” (Isaiah 40:11). These people had wandered far away and needed to be sought out; they were in rebellion and had to be subdued. Even after their conversion in this imperfect world, they remain weak and require support, facing temptation and needing strength. They are surrounded by adversaries and need protection, never to be left alone for a moment. They depend on Him for everything, with the entire responsibility for their preservation, from beginning to end, resting on the One who died for them.
They need to be “carried in His arms,” comforted and nurtured, just like newborn infants. Nothing less than this level of care and attention will suffice for God’s redeemed people. Even though there are millions of His redeemed sheep scattered all over the world, each one must be tended to as if they were the only one!
Charles Simeon (Updated for Today’s Reader)
The Fight of Faith 
What a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love and the incredible sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation! This passage beautifully illustrates the ongoing care and attention our Shepherd provides, emphasizing that each one of us is precious in His sight. In times of weakness, temptation, or adversity, we can find comfort and strength in being carried in His arms. It’s a comforting thought that, no matter how scattered or numerous His redeemed sheep are, He tends to each one as if they were the only one. Blessings!
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