“All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36-38
“The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice…
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” John 10:3-4,11,14
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.” Psalm 23
Flocked puff clouds amble
like so many sheep wandering
Away from the sun
Bright life-giving Son
Rising, always chasing
He will not relent
Strong Light of mercy
Overarching grace and love
Watches, keeps His own
Yet we like dumb sheep
Stray looking for greener grass
Forsake His design
Run after unknowns
Dry grass never satisfies
Strange gods tempt but fail
The sun keeps rising
Loving Shepherd in pursuit
Of His beloved lambs
Wandering from the fold
To see beyond, stoke desire,
We forsake His gifts
He does all things well
Knows every need and meets it
In all He ordains
Will we turn, respond
To irresistible love
See the Shepherd’s face?
He awaits, longs, shines
Emanating welcome, love
Opens arms like rays
Little lamb, return!
Come abide within His care
Enjoy green pasture
Wander not afar!
Go not after steeps and slopes
Find your peace in Him!
Rest near still waters
Walk hill and vale beside Him,
Feast from His bounty
He has far vision
Match gait to His direction
Delight in His ways
Submit to His shear
Boundaries of mercy and grace
Find home in His arms
His bearing is sure
His safe keeping is constant
His presence is home
Hear His step, His voice?
The good shepherd never fails
Always near, enough.
Lord, attune my ears and heart to listen and follow closely and so always identify with my Shepherd.
As the rain and snow 