Back In The Fold

In the fold the sheep were grazing

Ninety-nine of them were there

As the faithful shepherd counted

In his ever-constant care;

One had seen some greener pasture,

He was sure his choice was best,

So forgetful of the shepherd,

He had wandered from the rest.

Jesus loves the unsaved sinner,

But this one in sin so deep

Was a member of the sheepfold,

Not a goat among the sheep.

‘Twas a child of God who drifted

From the Shepherd’s side to roam,

Like the Prodigal who wandered

From the loving father’s home.

Bruised and beaten, worn and weary,

Though the child of God may stray,

Wandering farther from the Shepherd

In his selfish, stubborn way;

In some time of desperation,

In some moment of despair,

Though he feels there’s none to love him,

None to understand and care.

Then the Shepherd’s arms will life him

Onto shoulders that are strong,

And the Shepherd will say gently,

“I have sought thee for so long!”

And the Shepherd will seem dearer

Than in brighter days long past,

To the glad, repentant sinner

Who has come back home at last!

By Barbara C. Ryberg