1 Peter 2:25
“For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
We are referred to as sheep throughout the bible. It’s not flattering. We aren’t called lions or anything fierce. Sheep are vulnerable, low iq animals which are a desirable meal for preditors. Today, it says we have a tendency to stray. Sheep aren’t attempting to evade the sheperd, they are following good grass. Before they know it, they are out of sight and in danger.
Before Christ, we were all over the place. We have now come to Christ as our Shepherd and Guardian. Since we’ve been born again, He has put His heart in us. Philippians 2:13 says that He puts a desire to love and to work for Him. This is in contrast to religion. That’s one following codes. Often motivated by fear. God puts His heart in us. We want to follow Him.
Much like a crawling baby looks back to be sure mom is close, so we want to be close to God. It’s like a homing signal within. Romans 8:15,16 says that “His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” We’re connected. We can feel Him.
Feed the connection. As we are in the bible, prayer, fellowship and obediance, the connection is strong. If we don’t feel it, one of those areas may be ignored. Hebrews 5:11 speaks of being dull of hearing. Those weren’t feeding their faith with the essentials and their spiritual discernment was lacking. Verse twelve says that they needed the basics again.
He is our guardian. What a blessing that He is there for us. We can venture out into our days confident that He is with us. He gives us His Word, which helps us stay close to some things and warns us about others.
Lord, thank You that You want us connected to You. Thank You for Your protection as we go through our day.