By Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer
My early years of Lutheran parochial education instilled in me a love for the music and words of Christian hymns. I memorized one of my favorite hymns in kindergarten:
I am Jesus’ little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my needs and
well provides me,
Loves me ev’ry day the same,
Even calls me by my name.
“I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” (Hymn 740, stanza 1) from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB)
This paraphrase of Psalm 23 is cherished by many Christians and is often sung in worship on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, affectionately known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.”
The Scripture readings for this Sunday—part of a three-year historic pattern of Bible readings and special observances that are followed by the preachers and musicians of Worship Anew—always include Psalm 23 and a portion of John 10. Here we celebrate our resurrected Lord Jesus Christ’s shepherd-like, daily care for every need of our lives.
Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my strength and stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.
“I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” (stanza 2)
A day awaits me when I will enter the sanctuary of my congregation for the final time. Hymns, glorious hymns, will be sung. Words of eternal life will be spoken. Strong witness and glory will be given to the Good Shepherd who gave His life for me and now reigns eternally. The pastor will lead my family and Christian brothers and sisters in one final prayer:
Lord God, our shepherd, You gather
the lambs of Your flock
into the arms of Your mercy and
bring them home.
Comfort us with the certain hope of
the resurrection to everlasting life
and a joyful reunion with those we
love who have died in the faith;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our
Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen.
“Funeral Service, Concluding Collect” from LSB (page 281)
And then, as the casket containing my earthly remains departs the sanctuary, the congregation will sing with joy and thanksgiving and hope:
Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.
“I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” (stanza 3)
This month’s study text:
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23 (ESV)
Reflection Questions:
What special memories do you have of Psalm 23 and its paraphrase hymn, “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb?”
What about “Good Shepherd Sunday” speaks to the challenges you face today?
Why do you suppose the Bible refers to Jesus Christ as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God? (Hint: Read John 10:14-15; 1 Peter 1:18-19; and Revelation 7:9-17)
What difference will it make today as you live with the knowledge that Jesus Christ is your Good Shepherd?
Prayer:
My dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, please sustain and guide my life and the life of those for whom I care with the gentleness and, when needed, firmness of a Good Shepherd. Grant me faith to follow You, wisdom to discern Your voice amidst the clamor of earthly enticements, and the trust that nothing and no one can snatch me from Your hand. I ask this in Your name, Good Shepherd, even as You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.