I AM JESUS’ LITTLE LAMB

My love for lambs started as a child when my mom would sing “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” to me and my siblings.

Then the death of my dad, when I was 10, left me feeling like a lost lamb. Verses like “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Isaiah 40: 11) brought comfort and enhanced my love for these soft, gentle creatures.

Soon a collection of lambs began, including ornaments, mugs, knick-knacks, and plush lambs. When my children were born, lambs and sheep adorned their nursery, and we sang the old hymn at their baptisms.

Recently, a wonderful thing happened—a live lamb stopped in at bible study. Seriously! It had posed for Easter pictures with our preschoolers that day. I couldn’t resist interrupting class to take a closer look.

Oh, so velvety! Quiet and still, he rested in my arms. I wondered that he didn’t fidget or attempt to jump down.

How appropriate with Lent and Holy Week upon us. Jesus, so often referred to as the Good Shepherd, is also depicted as the lamb – the humble Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Ah, yes. Therein lies the problem. SIN.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

So, He came.  Yet He was “without blemish”—sinless. Like the lambs that were slaughtered as an atonement for sin by the Hebrews for generations, the promised Messiah would be the final Sacrifice for all mankind.

I am beyond grateful for this loving Shepherd who gave up His life for me and you. He knows us each by name, cares for our needs, and died that we might never leave His arms.

He has Risen! Hallelujah!

I AM JESUS’ LITTLE LAMB

I am Jesus’ Little Lamb.

Ever glad at heart I am.

For my shepherd gently guides me.

Knows my needs and well provides me.

Loves me every day the same.

Even calls me by my name.

Day by day at home, away.

Jesus is my staff and stay.

When I hunger Jesus feeds me,

Into pleasant pastures leads me.

When I thirst he bids me go.

Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am.

Even now the Shepherd’s lamb.

And when my short life is ended.

By the angel host attended.

He shall fold me to his breast.

There within his arms to rest.

~By Henriette Louise von Hayn

Do you have a favorite hymn from your childhood? Share it in the comments!

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Gretchen Huesmann

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