1 Peter 2:25 "You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
To be called sheep is not exactly a compliment. Sheep are weak and helpless, stupid and fearful. Take your eyes off them, and they wander away. Scripture always talks about them getting lost or being in danger. We are often called sheep, sheep who stray. And we do, do we not? Not that many of us get into major trouble very often, but we skirt the edges of law and morality enough to be reminded that we are full of sin and that we need a shepherd to rescue us.
And what a shepherd we have! He calls His sheep by name; He leaves the major portion of the flock to attend one who has strayed; He lays down His life for all; He rises again to feed and nourish His flock.
To be returned to such a shepherd is sheer joy, and we are not embarrassed to be called sheep. On the contrary, we recognize our need and are grateful that God has not abandoned us in our lost condition but has sent the Good Shepherd to guard, feed, and lead us. With the sheep of Psalm 23 we are able to say, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
PRAYER: Savior, like a shepherd lead us! Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 101, 103, 108 John 15
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