“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd; and I know those that are mine, and am known of those that are mine, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10: 11, 14, 15)
We’ll sing of the Shepherd that died,
That died for the sake of the flock;
His love to the utmost was tried,
But firmly endured as a rock.
What love from the Shepherd did flow,
When in care for the sheep He was led
To stand between them and the foe,
And lay down His life in their stead!
Our song then for ever shall be
Of the Shepherd who gave Himself thus;
No subject’s more glorious than He,
No theme more affecting to us.
Of Him and His love will we sing,
His praises our tongues shall employ,
Till heavenly anthems we bring
In yonder bright regions of joy.
Thomas Kelly
Hold Fast What Thou Hast 