Shepherd In The Woods by Will Greenleaf

Below is a painting that I asked Will Greenleaf's permission to use for this post. I have loved this painting ever since he created it. This picture of the Good Shepherd surrounded by his sheep, reminds me of His love to Dad Golden. As He is resting with His sheep, the Good Sheperd's loving eyes are looking into the distance where He sees the sheep that is far from the rest of the flock and from Him. Out by himself in the dark... The Good Sheperd longs for that sheep with all of His heart and I really believe that that sheep is my dad!

There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold;
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare;
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.


“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine
Has wandered away from Me.
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.”

But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry;
’Twas sick and helpless and ready to die.

“Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way,
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?”
“They’re pierced tonight by many a thorn.”

And all through the mountains, thunder-riv’n,
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heav’n,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”



Thank you so much Curious Servant for allowing me to use this wonderful painting.... You can find some more of Will's creations at his art blog.. http://csart.blogspot.com/