The True Shepherd #1899

The True Shepherd Who is the true Shepherd, who guards the sheep? Not the thieves nor the robbers who in shadows creep. "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door," Through Me, the flock finds safety, peace, and more. All who came before were but thieves, mere pretenders, But I, the Good Shepherd, am the true defender. The good shepherd gives His life, His love profound, For every sheep within His fold, His care is unbound. The hireling, he flees, for the sheep are not his own, But I remain steadfast, for My love is shown. As the Father knows Me, and I know the Father above, I lay down My life, a testament of love. They will hear My voice, one flock, one guide, In My embrace, they forever reside. This command I have received from the Father’s hand, To gather and protect, to lead and to stand. "I count all things as loss," echoes the Apostle’s plea, Compared to knowing Christ, my Lord, who set me free. For Him, I’ve lost all, considered as mere dross, That I may gain Christ, despite any earthly loss. Let the cross references guide our hearts to see, The kingdom's worth, the glory that shall be. From Luke to Matthew, Acts to Romans’ light, We find our path in the Shepherd’s sight. So hear the Shepherd’s call, His voice clear and true, For in His care, a life renewed, we pursue. One flock, one Shepherd, united in His grace, Forever in His love, we find our place. -Steven G. Lee (June 23, 2024)