Day 29: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

I love the shepherd illustrations in the Bible, whether it be from Psalm 23 or John 10. Years ago, I read Philip Keller's A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm, and I learned so much from his beautiful detailed explanations of the significance of God's role as our shepherd, based on his own experience as a shepherd. If the book weren't buried in my basement somewhere, I'd share some quotes with you. Don't worry, that's the last book recommendation I'll make in this hymn series, since I already told you yesterday you had to read Stepping Heavenward. At least they are both inexpensive books (and you can probably find A Shepherd Looks... at the library pretty easily).

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us is such a beautiful hymn that really captures the image of God's tender care for His flock. Another reason I love this hymn is because of the story of how God used it to save the life of Ira Sankey, a music leader for the Dwight L. Moody evangelism campaigns. Written originally for children (the music is from the same person who wrote the tune for Jesus Loves Me), Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us is a good reminder for people of all ages to thank God for His protection and loving care.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Hymns for the Young, 1836
Attr. to Dorothy Ann Thrupp

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, 
Much we need thy tender care;
In thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

We are thine; do thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, 
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Let us early turn to thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Let us early turn to thee.

Early let us seek thy favor; 
Early let us do thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.