Down the dusty path
There walks a single man.
A tender look lights His face;
His arms cradle a lamb.
Behind him are sheep,
Too many to count,
But the one on His chest
Has his attention right now.
The man's face is kind,
But a bit reprimanding.
His pierced hand are gentle;
His eyes, understanding.
The lamb looks ashamed,
But grateful, relieved
Its love to its Shepherd
Can clearly be seen.
"Shepherd, I'm sorry
I wandered away.
I despaired in the darkness
Till your call brought the day.
I'm so glad you saved me,
But I don't understand.
You have many more children-
I'm nothing grand.
You left perfection
For my debt to pay.
You left ninety-nine sheep
To search for one stray.
I really don't get it-
I'm worthless, just dust.
It's like trashing the bread
And eating the crust."
The Shepherd gazed down
At the small, helpless sheep.
He smiled and then
He began to speak.
"I've chosen the foolish
To bring down the wise;
To humble the proud,
I chose what was despised.
I chose things that aren't
To shame things that are;
I made angry the rich
When I chose what was poor.
I chose what was weak
To astonish the strong;
I cause some to stumble,
But lead others along.
You are my child.
I love you, dear one.
Your sins are forgiven
By me, God's one Son."
So spoke the Shepherd.
Let His glory be shown!
He holds me close to Him
For I am His own.