Easter Week
(Bonnie Greer)
(Bonnie Greer)
It is Easter week and we gather at dawn
to hear His words that take us beyond
the things set before us at the start of this day;
His words that keep troubling thoughts at bay.
Today’s word was from Matthew, one of the twelve
who thought he’d be faithful until he beheld
with other disciples, the fear of the cross;
‘twas all about gain yet they thought it meant loss.
The Shepherd, their Shepherd, where was He now?
Why didn’t He lead or fight, why not, how
can this be? So they all ran away
and left there, The Shepherd Who had asked them to pray.
The wolf, the enemy, had come for the sheep.
Alone, unprotected, questioned promises to keep
lifted with night mist as hopes too, fled away;
even healed ear, too small reason to stay.
Where were the faith and the love they had shown?
Shame, self-preservation from fear had now grown.
They ran from The One they were called to be with;
this Shepherd they wondered, if now was a myth?
But Jesus, The Shepherd redeems all His own.
See what faith, suffering-seeds have sown.
Simon, Simon, Satan would sift you as wheat,
but for you I’ve prayed that your faith be complete,
and when you have turned from your shame unto me,
your brother you’ll strengthen. Simon, trust, see!
Oh, little sheep, scattered, afraid,
have you no place for the plans I have laid-
Plans that will lead to the cross and a grave;
Plans of “the cost” for your sins I have paid?
(You would not want me to go to the cross?
Only this price brings your gain from my loss).
I have plans for a life where you’re fed and restored;
forgiveness for sin in denying your Lord;
a place where He feeds you and leads you away
from vain thoughts that ruin new life-buds today.
Scattered, now gathered, only Christ Jesus can make,
shepherds who follow and serve for His sake.
