Jesus Bishop of Souls

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

Jesus is Lord over all. He is Lord over all or he is not lord at all. He is Lord over the wicked and the righteous. He governs them by his omnipotence and sovereignty. In this sense all creatures are his "servants." But, though he is Lord OVER all, yet not all credit, own or acknowledge his lordship, and fewer still are glad of it.

He is Lord of the believer, however, in a special way. He is especially the savior of believers. "He is the savior of all men, specially of those who believe." (I Timothy 4: 10) He is Lord and Savior of all, but specially of those who believe and trust in him.

The Lord Jesus Christ, in a special way, by his grace, word, and Spirit, rules and reigns in the heart of a believer, imparting by his presence abundant life and everlasting joy.

Christ is the Shepherd of his sheep, his followers, his people. He is called "the great Shepherd of the sheep" (Hebrews 13: 20) and the "chief Shepherd," and once he has taken a sinner under his supervision and care, that sinner is forever safe. They can never stray too far for "his rod and his staff" will hinder it. (Psalm 23: 4)

Bishop of the soul! What a precious thought! He watches over our hearts and minds (if we have committed them to him) and he has become responsible for their safe keeping. He is no ordinary bishop, but the true Archbishop!

Those who are under the care of the great Archbishop are they who "commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (I Peter 4: 19)

A faithful shepherd, bishop and creator is Jesus the Lord! He has never lost a single soul committed to his care! (John 6: 38)

Friends, Jesus is precious! He is just what we need. Look at the mess made when people try to be their own saviors, their own soul's keeper and protector! Call out in humble, trusting faith to Jesus and he will come into your soul and dethrone the evil powers that may be ruling there now.

We are "like sheep" who have "gone astray." (Isaiah 53: 6) We are no longer safe, when we are outside the care of this great Shepherd and Archbishop, but are an easy prey to the wolves.

Friend, who is watching over and protecting your soul? Your heart and mind? In whose hand do you trust for safety and salvation?

The scriptures warn of the "evil shepherds." Satan is such an one. He is a liar and comes to men, pretentiously, as a "false shepherd." (See Ezekiel 34 & Jeremiah 50:6) Do not be deceived in this matter. Come to the real shepherd, one who truly leads his people to "green pastures" of salvation and rest.