Our Shepherd and Guardian

"For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of you souls" (1 Peter 2:25, HCSB).

Usually, people don't like to think of themselves as animals. When the lines of comparison point squarely at a herded animal, the impulse to reject such comparisons becomes stronger. We don't want to see ourselves as cattle. If you know much about sheep, you don't want to be compared to them either. Sheep are not very intelligent and lack a defense mechanism.

Peter's words here pull no punches. He not only compares us to sheep, but tells us we are the kind that wonder off from safety and protection. Does that make us brave, curious, or stupid? If it softens the blow, we'll use the term foolish. Curiosity can be fatal, just ask a cat. Doing dangerous things doesn't necessarily make us brave, we could just do them because we don't know any better.

Do you ever look back at events in your life and wonder how you made it out alive (and mostly sane)? Peter tells believers that it is their Shepherd and Guardian, Jesus Christ, that has brought them through.

Did you ever have the feeling someone was watching over you? It is popular in our culture to speak of guardian angels and deceased relatives as those who watch over us. However, Peter says we have the best Guardian: Jesus.

He is the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep. He does not flee from danger, but guards his sheep with vigilance, so rest easy little lamb. Your Shepherd won't fail you.