A friend of mine, Pastor Steve Williams, was installed as Senior Pastor at Grace Community Church in Seal Beach, CA on January 13, 2013. Throughout the service, we heard readings from the Scripture, affirmations from the church leaders and more. We even sang a few songs. It was a very meaningful time!
While we were singing a good old hymn, “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” I had an intense realization. Below are the lyrics, so I invite you to read them and reflect [and hum along in your brain 😉 ].
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Text: Attr. to Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-18681. Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us,
for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.2. We are thine, thou dost befriend us,
be the guardian of our way;
keep thy flock, from sin defend us,
seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.3. Thou hast promised to receive us,
poor and sinful though we be;
thou hast mercy to relieve us,
grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.4. Early let us seek thy favor,
early let us do thy will;
blessed Lord and only Savior,
with thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
That last verse just crashed into me: Early let us seek thy favor,
early let us do thy will…
Early…
This is so abnormal for me. I’m a last second kinda guy. Unfortunately I wait until the last minute to seek God. I try my way first, then I’ll try God’s way.
Maybe because the song writer knew Jesus intimately and had great confidence in how the Good Shepherd had cared for her, she could write EARLY.
Dear Jesus,
May I not be late, but early to seek Your favor, and early to do Your will. Blessed Jesus, You have loved us, love us still.