Come See the Shepherd

As Moses watches his father-in law’s sheep graze,
a single kid slips into the inhospitable wilderness.
It’s silently heading toward a ravine- maybe hoping for water.
Ever vigilant, Moses follows; seeking the one lost from his sight.

“I did not know how thirsty you were,” sings Moses at long last.
“See, you are weary from your long, dangerous journey.
Upon my shoulder, you must be carried,
back to the flock, grazing there on a faraway hill.”

God looked down upon the land;
seeing Israel needed a strong, dedicated pastor.
“I will choose from one worthy to strengthen my people.
Ah, Moses, you shall be a chosen instrument of mine.”

With his rod, the good shepherd will catch and pull
one hidden under rocks, or pasturing on hills of false grass.
No injury shall mark his glorious flock;
Moses will lead with the song of his clear, strong voice.

His presence, his patience, his benevolent manner
assures security among both beast and nation.
Each one can go in, or come out, as Hebrew verse states;
knowing peace, safety; yes, law and order will prevail.

It was Israel’s destiny to be a light
to other nations with Gentile persuasion and strongholds;
to be one fold, to have one shepherd too-
a unity of truth to one, true, heavenly Father.

Fulfillment of all Old Testament promise,
descends Jesus, the Son; yes, the Word made flesh.
He shelters both Jew and Gentile in his universal flock;
none are unloved, none are forgotten.

Sacrificing self, his love on display,
He restores creation- healing, transforming.
He carries their sins, laying down his life
Yes,” is all He says; “it’s of my own free will.”

He tells his followers, “I am the door;
through Me, with Me and in Me, together-
we’ll navigate the hills, and valleys of life.
I will never forsake you, even if you stray.”

“They did not thirst when he led them through dry lands.
Water from the rock he set flowing for them;
He cleft the rock, and waters welled forth.”
Isaiah predicts, Moses acts, and Jesus loves.

Our peace, our hope, now is assured;
no death can separate us from the life to come.
He has opened the gate of his heavenly Kingdom
with His love, His grace, Jesus is true Shepherd to all His own sheep.