For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” vs. 25
1 Peter 2:23-25
When left to our own devices we can manage to get ourselves into every kind of trouble imaginable. Humans seem to have an infinite capacity for mischief and wrongdoing, and sometimes it can be the ruin of us. In order to live well, we need some sort of internal compass that can be our guide through the maze of distractions that face us every day. And since that sort of internal capacity seems to be lacking in so many, perhaps our next best option is to find a good shepherd. And when people have become acquainted with Jesus, that’s exactly what they’ve done. As Peter puts it, instead of going astray like sheep they have made Jesus the shepherd and the guardian of their souls. When that happens, instead of wandering from one misadventure to another, people focus their attention on the one who gave himself for the sake of the world. And because Jesus is the living presence of God and not some dead hero of the ancient world, there is active daily guiding that takes place. We are led away from the self-serving pitfalls of modern consumerism into the way of righteousness, a compassionate lifestyle that is rooted in humility and service. What a difference it makes when we simply trust the guidance of the shepherd–under his direction we will experience the restoration of our souls.
Thought for the Day: When do I most need guidance?
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