“I am the good shepherd; and I know those that are mine, and am known of those that are mine, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold: those also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD” (John 10:14-16, N.Tr.).
O Shepherd of the flock of God,
Thy voice we love to hear,
Its tones divine, so strong and true,
Still ev’ry anxious fear;
O call Thy sheep together Lord,
As one to follow Thee!
Yea loudly call, and by Thy Word
Set all Thy loved ones free!
O hear, Thou Shepherd of the flock,
Whose love no lips can tell,
O Son of God, Thou great and good,
Break every hurtful spell!
For Thou hast died, that all Thine own
May know thro’ grace divine
Thyself, as by the Father known,—
What love compares with Thine?
O Shepherd of the flock of God,
Thy watching eye doth see
The dang’rous track, the scatt’ring wolf,
The thief and those who flee;
In Thy true wisdom we’d confide,
Trusting in Thee alone,
Happy to shelter by Thy side,
All drawn to Thee as one.
Almighty Shepherd of the flock,
Thy pow’rful hand doth hold
Each timid sheep, each tender lamb
Without a narrow fold;
One Shepherd o’er one flock enough
To keep us all, and guide
To fountains pure, to fields of truth,
By bounteous love supplied.
O glorious Shepherd of the flock,
Th’ assembly bought by blood,
The priceless pearl, the heav’nly bride
Is Thine, O Christ of God:
We would then, Lord, for Thy Name’s sake
To Thee e’en now be true,
And God the Father’s glory seek,
His will with gladness do.