The Shepherd's Voice

 The sheep will know the Shepherd's voice,

be led to living brook and lea

in valleys green with all good things,

their hearts to know satiety.

They quench their thirst by shaded springs

and never fail for want, but blest

to enter His untroubled fold,

lay down their heads in easy rest.

The flock will know the Shepherd's voice

and through the vale of doubt and dread

no stone will turn beneath their hoof

nor chasm snare them, faithfully led.

Their wending, narrow way is proof

against the sucking bog and mire;

nor hungry darkness swallow those

who trace the Shepherd's lantern-fire.

A lamb will know his Shepherd's voice

and heed no stranger's thieving tongue.

He, taught his own peculiar name,

leaps joyfully to hear it sung.

Nor wanders far to guilt and shame -

a gentle staff corrects his head

to fields where lost and rescued lambs

before him have been safely led.

The wolves sure know the Shepherd's voice - 

they howl in trembling fear and rage. 

Their flanks have felt His staff and sling,

bear wounds no balm can e'er assuage.

He spoke to spoil their gnash and sting,

He sings and scatters wide their horde!

No precious lamb have they devoured;

Their teeth have shattered on His Word.

The Lamb did know His Shepherd's voice -

loved hearing it, loved to obey.

Silent, raised no complaining bleat,

nor from His holy side could stray

ere, found both flawless and complete,

The Shepherd gave Him to the Priest

who proffered, one and once for all,

a fragrant, flaming altar-feast.

~

AMDG

11.4.18