I haven’t been in a liturgical church long enough to know whether Good Shepherd Sunday often falls on Mother’s Day, but I loved how beautifully the two themes coincided this year. I had just listened to this inspiring interview in which Mari Hoverson of Abide Bible Club (who also happens to be my sister-in-law) talks with Laura Booz about her recent book Expect Something Beautiful: Finding God’s Good Gifts in Motherhood. When Mari asked for a verse that can encourage women, Laura gave an unexpected answer: Isaiah 40:11. This verse, immediately preceded by a declaration that “the Lord GOD comes with might,” describes Christ’s tender care for His sheep: “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
Yesterday, as the pastor preached on the Good Shepherd in John 10, he noted how we are like sheep. We do dumb things, we don’t recognize the food and water that are good for us, and we need to be rescued again and again. Anyone who has spent much time around kids might think this illustration sounds all too fitting. It’s easy for me to see my one-year-old daughter in that description. But do I see myself there? Do I recognize my own need for a Shepherd?
Christ promises to “gently lead those that are with young.” He cares for us mothers just as He cares for our little ones. Sometimes I get so accustomed to being the one upon whom another depends that I forget my own dependency. I get caught up in giving to my daughter and forget that everything I give must first be given me by God (1 Cor. 4:7). Just as “we love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19), so we gently lead our children because Christ gently leads us. He does not give us what we need to begin and then leave us to figure out the rest for ourselves. Our Good Shepherd goes before us (John 10:4). He knows us; no one can snatch us from His hand (John 10:27, 28). We would have nothing to sacrifice for our children if He did not give us life by laying down His own.
One of Hosanna’s favorite books to read is this little board book of Henriette L. von Hayn’s hymn “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.” It’s easy for me to think of this as a children’s song and forget how gently and lovingly the Good Shepherd cares for my every need. I like how Emily of Total W(h)ine says it: “Good parenting means remembering I’m a child.” This is the reminder I need this Mother’s Day. I am weak and helpless. I do dumb things. I wander from the good pastures. I sin against the Shepherd who died for me. But Christ seeks me and gently leads me. He washes me. He feeds me with His own body and blood. He holds me with more love than I will ever have for my little girl.
Coram Mundo 