I see an army of shepherds rise

They have their staffs in tow

And like the beating of a drum

They each do strike a blow.

 

They’ve made a hedge protecting sheep

From hirelings who’ve deceived

They led with fraudulent authority

And bruised the precious sheep.

 

But rising now are gentle men

Women, too, file in rank

For they have been in caves with Christ

And know His gentleness makes them great.

 

Stripped of names and titles more

But ordained by the King

The Lord of hosts now calls to place

The shepherds He, Himself, will lead.

 

They live His word-a living sacrifice

The call has cost them dear

And now they come to love the lambs

Who’ve been abandoned and sheared.

 

They count it loss-the cross they bear

Their tenderness mends the lame

The hidden sin inside Christ house

Will soon be put to shame.

 

For what is hidden in the dark

The light is going to show

A spotlight bright as can be

Uncovering the darkness sown.

 

Do hear the warning! Take it to heart!

We serve a holy God

And if you’ve led the sheep astray

May His mercy touch your heart.

 

June 13, 2019