The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ELW 502)
Devotion
1The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.
2Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth
and, where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
3Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
4In death's dark vale I fear no ill,
with thee, dear Lord, beside me,
thy rod and staff my comfort still;
thy cross before to guide me.
5Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
thine unction grace bestoweth;
and, oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
6And so, through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never.
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.
Text: Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877
In today's world we rely on staying connected with others through technology such as cell phones and social media. But even with our ability to reach across the world at a second's notice, it's easy to feel like we don't belong anywhere or to anyone. The Bible readings that center on Jesus as our shepherd offer an alternative to loneliness and isolation. Jesus calls us his sheep. We belong to him. He calls us by name. And Jesus isn't just any shepherd. As today's hymn puts it, he is a shepherd who is "the King of Love." Jesus' love for us finds its source in the love between himself and his heavenly Father. They are one. Jesus' love for us is the source of our abundant and eternal life. What else can we do in response to the love of our Good Shepherd but "sing thy praise, within thy house, forever"?
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for claiming us as your own and for giving us Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Shape us into his disciples. Help us to follow him in faithfulness and joy, and to love others as you first loved us. Amen.