1 On the highway of sin I wandered
Far away from the good Shepherd’s fold;
And my erring heart often pondered
O’er the idols I then would behold;
On the wings of love come this message divine,
“I know my sheep, and am known by Mine.”
2 For a moment I paused to listen,
Just to know when the good Shepherd came;
Just to hear His sweet voice at nightfall
Gently calling His lost sheep by name;
Nearer to my soul came this message divine,
“I know my sheep, and am known by Mine.” [Refrain]
3 In my weakness and need He found me
Then my penitent story I told,
And He drew me more closely to Him
As He carried my back to the fold;
My faint soul He cheered with this message divine,
“I know my sheep, and am known by Mine.” [Refrain]
4 This good Shepherd is daily seeking
Wand’ring sheep, just the same as of old;
Should you meet Him at morn or midnight,
He will welcome you into the fold;
In His Word you’ll find this sweet message divine,
“I know my sheep, and am known by Mine.” [Refrain]
Source: Uplifted Voices: a 20th century hymn book for sunday-schools and devotional meetings #25