The Shepherd and Bishop of Our Soul

For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 

I Peter 2:25

This Scripture has always meant a great deal to me.  As a matter of fact, when I skim through the files of my mind of the many saints who lived, there is one thing that stands out to me concerning each of their lives.

Allow me to list some names and what to me, characterizes them.

David – a man after God’s own heart; he desired truth in his inner most being

Samuel – he heard the Lord in the hearing of his ear; not one of his words fell to the ground (as a prophet).

Enoch – he walked with God, then God just took him because he pleased Him.

Noah – a preacher of righteousness for 150 years though he stood alone.

Esther – a woman of preparation.

Ruth – leaving all to follow God.

Isaiah – seeing the Lord high and lifted up.

Paul the Apostle – broken and whom God flowed through the completeness of Christ.

Peter – who penned the Scripture above – Jesus was the Shepherd and he fed the lambs.

John – a man of truth and love – laying his head on the bosom of our Lord in intimacy.

Timothy – young but pure.

Jesus Christ – all of these characteristics and more!

I guess perhaps one of my favorite ways I perceive the Lord is as our Shepherd.  It speaks to me – partly because I know how helpless and stupid sheep can be.  And this Scripture says our Lord is not only the Shepherd but He is the Bishop (overseer) of our souls.

I need the Lord’s life, His thoughts, His provision of grace, mercy and love every second of my day, my week, my month, my year, my entire life and being.

The good news is how God can surprise us with a perspective on things if we let Him.  How many of us need to look through a problem to see Jesus – not at the problem.

Sometimes I’ve struggle with seeing.  But I am reminded too that Christ now and forevermore is the CURE – the Strength for all good things to come forth from us.  He says He can do exceeding, abundantly ABOVE all we ask or think, according to His power that works in us!  Ephesians 3:19, 20.

Sue Gaither