Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, ELW 789
Devotion
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.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have bought us; we are yours.
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.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear us children when we pray.
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.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
early let us turn to you.
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, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have loved us, love us still.
The topic of leadership is a popular one these days, not only in the church but also in business, government, education, and social services. There are blogs dedicated to it and booksellers pushing hundreds of offerings. Full disclosure: I am also a devotee of the subject.
There are many images used for leaders, such as cultivator and facilitator. The Apostle Paul even lists leadership as one of the spiritual gifts in Romans 12. Today's hymn offers the picture of Jesus leading as a shepherd.
Sometimes we get stuck on the idea that we are as dumb as sheep and therefore need to be told what to do by the shepherd. However, the key to the hymnist's vision of leadership comes in the words, "you have bought us, we are yours." Great leaders are great because they serve others, and in so doing inspire us to do the same.
Prayer
Servant Shepherd, lead us into serving others as you have served us. Amen.