117. “Dost Thou Love Me?” the Lord Did Ask

1. “Dost Thou Love Me?” the Lord did ask
Of Simon Peter, - pleading;
When He appointed him the task
His flock to be afeeding.
He further let him clearly know
What scorn-filled pathways He must go,
That death would be his portion
For service and devotion.

2. It is not hard on sunny days
Our love to be displaying,
When all things take their pleasant ways
And when no wolves are slaying;
But when the days of evil come,
Or heavy cares invade our home, -
Will then our own behavior
Show true love for the Savior.

3. Beneath the cross, the Lord doth look
At us, the question raising:
“Dost thou love Me? O man of rock?
In sorrow art thou praising?
When thou into thy death are led,
When thou art girt with anguish dread,
Can then thy love be given,
By inner promptings driven?”

4. The common answer that we hear,
And oft in deepest sadness:
“Thou knowest, Lord, I hold Thee dear,
Thou art my Joy and Gladness.”
And then the Lord doth ask again:
“Wilt thou love Me amid great pain?
Will in the fiery trial
Thy love know no denial?”

5. “Then follow Me and feed My sheep
On pastures green and pleasant,
And o’er them faithful vigil keep,
For wolves are always present;
Preserve and guide them on their way
That leads through death to endless day,
In love for them here living
And for them your life giving.

6. The faithful shepherds do not flee,
When hungry wolves are nearing,
Ah, no, their duty then they see
By to their sheep adhering.
Their sheep will follow after them,
When first they here the cross of shame
Upon their backs have taken,
And shame leaves them unshaken.

7. Here we must often face distress
And die with Jesus even,
Ere we attain the blessedness
Of being heirs of heaven.
But while we have this mortal life,
With all its sufferings and strife,
We show by our behavior
How much we love the Savior.