That Means Everyone

 

The teachers and the lawyers

   kept an eye on what He did;

They heard He healed the lepers

   and that multitudes were fed,

But they grew hot and bothered

   at the friends He chose to make,

So He said, "The sick need doctors,

   and you sleepers need to wake!"

For our God is like a Shepherd,

   ever searching for the stray;

Our God is like a woman

   seeking a coin that got away;

Our God is like a Father,

   longing to restore His son. . .

Jesus came to save the lost,

   and that means everyone.

Do not be an "older brother,"

   thinking you deserve your share;

If it wasn't for your Father,

   you'd do all the "young ones" dare!

And if you cannot admit it,

   you will never share His heart. . .

Every journey to His Kingdom

   still demands a humble start!

Everyone who will believe,

Everyone who'll weep,

Everyone who will admit,

"I've been a wandering sheep!"

Every rambling rebel

Who has finally reached the end:

You're the one He welcomes---

Jesus proudly calls you "friend."

For our God is the Good Shepherd,

   bringing home each wretched stray;

Our God is like a woman

   finding coins that got away;

Our God's the loving Father,

   who restored us through His Son. . .

Jesus came to save the lost,

   and that means everyone.

MNA

c. 2000