He Goeth Before

In Praise of That Good Shepherd

He goeth before
And none can change the order.
He goeth before
And scopes the next day’s climb.

 

He goeth before
Through every kind of weather.
And knoweth their strength,
Their tender lambing time.

 

He goeth before
And sweet will be the grazing.
The waters pure
To slake and soothe each friend.

 

He goeth before
Their fearless, guarding champion.
The wolf or bear
Brought swiftly to its end.

 

He goeth before
To miss no bleat of terror,
Push of pride
Or action out of place.

 

He goeth before
Til evening’s gentle bedding
When every sheep
Takes courage from His face.

Author's Note

The never-tiring Good Shepherd of John 10.