Jesus, your good shepherd

Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed. You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls.
(verses 24, 25)

Read 1 Peter 2:11-25

Imagine how dreadful life would be if you had no choice but to sin, if every evil thought that you had turned into an evil word and then an evil deed. Life would become intolerable, and you would yearn with your whole heart for some light and goodness to come into the world.

Your Lord has saved you from the dreadful consequences of evil by bearing your sins in his body on the cross. Because you were helpless to save yourself from evil-like a lost sheep in a forest full of wolves-your Lord came to save you. He is now the shepherd of your soul, who delivers you from evil.

You will face times of temptation in the future. And you may even slip and fall into sin. But you are no longer helpless and on your own. Your Lord is with you, to bear your sin, to lift you up, and to keep you safely in his flock.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my good shepherd. Please keep me safe from all harm and danger. Amen.

by Fraser Pearce, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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