The King of Love My Shepherd Is (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 502)
1 The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.
2 Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
3 Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
4 In 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.
5 Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
thine unction grace bestoweth;
and, oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
6 And 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); Music: Irish tune
Devotion
Henry Baker, the writer of yesterday’s hymn, is also the author of today’s hymn, which is probably more familiar to most of us. It also continues this week’s theme of God as the One God and King of love. May we affirm with Pastor Baker: “I nothing lack if I am his and he is mine forever.” (v.1)
It is reported that the last words of Baker as he died quoted verse 3 of his hymn: “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me.” Let us not be perverse and foolish, but righteous and steadfast always, through the length of our days. May the cross of Jesus be before us to guide us through life and into eternal life.
Prayer
Holy One, on this last Sunday of Easter we bow before the open and empty tomb, lifting up your love that stretches around the globe for all humanity and the whole creation. Amen!