Beating of Our Heart
Recommended Reading: James 3
Sometimes the smallest part of a machine can have the greatest significance. The Lord's brother James understood this. In the third chapter of his letter, he tells us that though large ships are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it has the greatest influence in our lives, whether for good or bad.
For years my oldest son was pummeled by my voice. There were chores to do, behaviors to be corrected, lights to turn off (it bugged me if a room was left with the lights on), devotions to listen to, and, well…the list of my obsessive requirements were quite endless.
Looking back, it doesn’t sound very fun to be a child. Trying to cultivate a strong work ethic in my son, I placed responsibility above relationship, which led to frustration and failure.
Then one day I came across Isaiah 40:11—
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom; he gently leads those that have young.”
I read it again and again. My eyes were opening for the very first time to the needs of my son’s heart. It was right there in black and white.
Allow me to explain by first asking a question. Have you ever seen a picture of a shepherd carrying a lamb? Where does he carry the lamb? Correct—on his shoulders, with the legs hanging over his neck. Well, let me give you some insight on my past experiences as a shepherd.
It might surprise you to know that for approximately ten years I raised sheep. What may not be surprising is that it’s harder than it looks! For the first five years I had to force my sheep to follow me—wait, they never followed me during that time! I had to push them in the direction they needed to go. I tried rounding them up with my dog, but he just wanted to chase them, and in the wrong direction.
Next I tried to round them up with my truck. The kids thought my truck rodeo was hilarious. Then I tried my 750 Honda motorcycle. Can you picture it? Everyone thought I was crazy. No matter what I tried, they just wouldn’t follow me.
“Stupid sheep,” I often said aloud. Actually, it was “stupid shepherd,” but I didn’t know it at the time.
They were my sheep! I fed them; immunized them; protected them; why wouldn’t they follow me?! It was during lambing season that I really knew how sorely unprepared I was. But there was something about that famous illustration with the shepherd and his lamb over his shoulders that appealed to me. So, imitating the illustration, I tried it.
The lamb kicked and struggled and with unstoppable determination, refused to pose. “Be still, you dumb animal!” I muttered. “Don’t those lambs know that this is the position for photographs?!”
This was a terribly frustrating time in my life. My sheep wouldn’t follow me, the lambs wouldn’t sit still on my shoulders, my family was falling apart, and I was losing my oldest son’s heart.
How does this relate to Isaiah 40:11? Let’s read the text again,
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom; he gently leads those that have young.”
Do you see it?! He doesn’t carry them on his shoulders, but in his bosom, close to his heart. My son was being “pushed” by my voice, just like my sheep were being pushed. The rest of the text says that the shepherd gently leads.
“Oh God, help me! Help me to lead with a gentle spirit; help me to keep the lambs close to my heart.”
Why is it important for the lambs to be carried in the shepherd’s bosom, close to his heart? Because there the lambs will hear the beating of the shepherd’s heart, not the beating of his voice. It is there, near the shepherd’s heart, that the lamb learns to trust and eventually follow their shepherd.
Mom and Dad, what do your children hear? The beating of your voice or the beating of your heart? Maybe it’s time to close our mouths and open our hearts. A loving hug may be a good first step.
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
Recommended Reading:
The Wanderer book/audio drama (Ages 9+)
Rosa of Linden Castle (Ages 9+)
A Man of His Word (Ages 12+)
