The Shepherd's Lost Flock

The Shepherd's Lost Flock

Today as I walked alone
I came across this place,

Where nothing really exists

But an empty spectral plane.

 

I took a walk into nothing

Wondering what I might find

In the comforts of nothingness

Hoping peace may reside.

 

As I traveled on what’s not there

Taking a steady pace

I came upon this old man

Who had pain upon his face.

 

I wondered what he was doing there

Where nothing does reside

And if he was also seeking

The peace that may abide.

 

As I approached him slowly

I felt a great peace

It gave me the hope I sought

And a feeling of great relief.

 

As I continued toward him

I felt an honest love.

One so sincere I shed a tear

And my spirits were lifted up.

 

I traveled a step closer

And felt a mighty power.

A force so strong

That I couldn't help but cower.

 

I got a little courage

And continued on my path.

Wondering about who he was

And what he might have.

 

As I came up to him

I saw holes through his hands

And the lashes and the tears

Of a whips grisly brand.

 

I saw deep cuts upon his brow

And blood ran from them

And I wondered if there was any way

That I could help him.

 

As I looked down

I saw also holes in his feet

And noticed also a cut in his side

As he sat and wept.

 

I asked the man what was wrong

And as he turned to me

He said, "I am a shepherd,

But I have lost my sheep.

 

I gave them all my love

And even sacrificed myself

To wash them all white as snow

But now they don't want my help.

 

I saved them from a wicked beast

That has ravaged the land.

But now they have forgotten me

And no longer come to my hand.

 

I warned them all that there would be

A time when they need me again.

But they paid me no attention

And went about their way grazing the land.

 

I tried my best to get their attention

By letting things happen by and by.

It started to work for a little while

And that made me smile.

 

But now they have turned from me again

And that brings tears to my eyes

To know they have forgotten me

And that they only have a little while.

 

Some still realize their mistake

And come back once in a while

To come and be with me

And walk this one last mile.

 

But soon it will be too late

For the rest of my sheep to return.

And I sadly know that most will stay.

But one day they will learn.

 

When they finally do

It will be just too late.

I will have to turn them away

And this will be their fate.

 

But today a sheep has returned to me

To walk this one last mile.

He need only ask me to care for him

And I'll make his trip worth while."

 

Then I asked the man "Who are you?"

"I am called by many names," he replied.

"Call me who you please"

I then realized this man was Jesus

And I dropped to my knees.

 

As I began to cry

I prayed that He would forgive and care for me.

And He took me by the hand
And said " I am what you came to seek."

 

"You wandered into nothing

Seeking the peace that may reside.

Looking around for what you seek

Wondering what you'll find.

 

But this day you found much more than peace

Much more than what you sought to find.

You are a sheep that came back to me

And now with me in paradise you'll reside."

 

With this, bright light surrounded him

And it was of the purest white

It bathed Him in great glory

But didn't hurt my eyes.

 

As he ascended up

He called out to me again.

"I will return soon to get my sheep," he said.

"Go and gather them until then."

 

With these words He disappeared

In a glorious flash of light.

The most beautiful light I've ever seen

The purest of white.

 

Even though He was now gone

I felt that He was still there.

And I felt a wonderful love and peace

In the place of great despair.

 

I felt that I was not alone

And I realized that

His spirit was within my heart.

And now I could feel his love

Flowing through every part.

 

As I made my way back

And came out of nothing's realm.

I began my joyous work

Of gathering His sheep for Him.

 

   ©T.A.Rogers

     20030925

 

Author's Note

Unbiased truth.