Jesus: The Shepherd and Bishop

-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 KJV

Sheep need a shepherd because sheep need constant care. Sheep can't live in the wild; they would never survive. Wolves have no fear of sheep; it is only the Shepherd who can protect against them. "For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out." (Ezekiel 34:11 KJV). In the same way that a shepherd provides watchful care over sheep, a bishop is a caregiver providing watchful care over God's people.

Sometimes, people who don't know us very well will say, "I am looking out for you." That comment sounds sincere, but it doesn't bring us a great deal of comfort. How can we have confidence that someone is looking out for us if they don't know us?

Jesus is not only the Shepherd who finds the lost sheep, but He is also the Bishop, the overseer. He knows and intimately cares for everyone who comes to Him. He watches over your soul, not just your physical needs. He cares about your well-being, your wholeness, and your wellness. He has joyfully taken the responsibility to look after you and tend your soul. 
...

We are Thine; do Thou befriend us, 
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, 
Seek us if we go astray;
-Dorothy A. Thrupp
...

©2011, 2020 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. All rights reserved.