Stray Sheep Now Returned

Peter wrote, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (I Pet. 2:25). Lost sheep, without Guide and Overseer, without spiritual protection and nourishment, and without spiritual authority and wisdom, that is what we were before salvation. But praise the Lord, in salvation we are now returned to the One who healed us by His stripes, to live unto righteousness for His glory, under His authority and His direction.

What a blessing and privilege we have to be shepherded by the Lord Jesus Christ! He feeds us spiritually, He leads us in righteousness, and He protects us from real and ultimate danger. He also keeps the oversight of us, watching us, sovereignly causing all things to work together for our good, and maturing us to be more like Him.

Jesus paid the price of our salvation with His own blood, and He died on the cross for our sins. With salvation, we are no longer lost; we are found! Now, the Savior lovingly and wisely guides our lives through the Word of God and working of the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to live our lives in subjection to Him. Let that submission show forth in our relationship to Him and to others.