1 Peter 2:22-25

“For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” vs. 25

According to the gospel of John the resurrected Jesus had told Peter three times, in a touching scene of love and restoration by the Sea of Galilee, to feed and care for his sheep. And three times Peter responds with a passionate “yes.” And that’s what Peter did! As he writes he tells his readers that, while they were always part of the flock, they had strayed from the care of the shepherd. But now, having trusted in the Lord, they have returned to the guardian of their souls.

Peter knew that routine. Having denied Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, he was tracked down by Jesus after he’d gone back to fishing, and offered a second chance to follow him.

All of us seem to go astray from time to time. We get caught up in the ways of the world and are easy prey for the lusts, desires, and temptations that dance through our minds. Year after year they stalk us, disguising their true nature under cloaks of deception and false promises. But Jesus just doesn’t give up on us and moves beyond our betrayals and tracks us down wherever we’ve wandered.

And when he lovingly confronts us and draws us back to our mission it’s truly like a new beginning or a second birth. What a blessing it is to be reunited with the Good Shepherd and the Guardian of our souls!

Thought for the Day: Times when I’ve gone astray.