“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” ELW 789 & LBW 481
1 Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
Much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use your fold prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
You have bought us; we are yours.
2 We are yours; in love befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep your flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear us children when we pray.
3 You have promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
You have mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to you.
4 Early let us seek your favor,
Early let us do your will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
You have loved us, loved us still.
Devotion
The words of this great hymn endure. This timeless image of a good shepherd, who cares for the sheep wonderfully and generously, crosses generations and context. It speaks boldly and passionately of the capacity of God to lead, to provide, and to walk alongside us with a steady hand of guidance and protection. Though we often resist such care, preferring at times to keep our noses down, lost in our needs and appetites just like sheep, God’s desire to save and rescue remains steady and sure.
In this is great comfort and hope! We place tags, licenses, and labels on things that belong to us. Each of us has been marked with the sign of the cross at our baptism, a reminder to us that, indeed, “Blessed Jesus” has paid the price for such love and grace, and we belong to him.
Prayer
Savior, lead us, for we do need your tender care. As we enjoy belonging to you and are fed by you, we are so bold to ask that you would use us for your sake, and in good measure, for the care of this whole world that you love so much. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.