New Song Spotlight: King of Love

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As we journey through the Psalms we see beautiful descriptions of God’s care for his people. One of the most memorable is his role of Shepherd and King in Psalm 23. The role of shepherd is so compelling because it embodies multiple ways Jesus cares for us. A shepherd protects, provides, corrects, guides, and loves his sheep. There aren’t many metaphors that capture both the firm correcting and gracious providing love of God, which is why Psalm 23 has captured the imaginations of so many song writers throughout the ages. One of those songwriters was H. W. Baker (1821-1877) who wrote the hymn “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”. This text (full text here) goes through each section of Psalm 23 and puts it to song. According to tradition, his final words before he met Jesus were verse 3 of the text below, “Lost and foolish off I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me”. This modern rendition is one we’ll be singing on Sundays. Below are the lyrics.

Verse 1
The King of Love my Shepherd is
Whose goodness faileth never
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever
And He is mine forever

Verse 2
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth

CHORUS
Never failing, Ruler of my heart
Everlasting, Lover of my soul
On the mountain high or in the valley low
The King of Love my Shepherd is
The King of Love my Shepherd is

Verse 3
Lost and foolish off I strayed
But yet in love He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
And home rejoicing brought me

Verse 4
In death’s dark veil I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me
Thy rod and staff my comfort still
Thy cross before to guide me

CHORUS

Bridge
Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

CHORUS

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never
Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise
Within Your house forever
Within Your house forever

^{Songwriters: H. W. Baker Stuart Garrard / Jonathan Lindley Smith / Adam Palmer / Matthew Hein / Stephanie Kulla
© Sony/atv Tree Publishing, Stugio Music Publishing, Sony/atv Timber Publishing, Sony/atv Cross Keys Publishing, Jingram Music Publishing, I Am They Publishing}