Jesus- Our Shepherd in Heaven

“For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds. For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:21-25 HCSB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In life, He was our standard http://wp.me/p6raXX-Oe; in death, He was our substitute  http://wp.me/p6raXX-Og . But even now, Peter tells us,

Jesus is our… SHEPHERD:…in heaven,

which is the third picture of Christ. Peter writes in verse 25, “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”

In the Old Testament, the sheep died for the shepherd; but at Calvary, the Shepherd died for the sheep. Jesus Himself said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Every lost sinner and every wayward Christian is like a sheep gone astray–ignorant, lost, wandering, in danger, away from the place of safety, and unable to save him/herself. The Shepherd came to Earth in search of His lost sheep; He died for them.

Now that we have been returned to the fold and safely in His care, He watches over us lest we stray and get into sin. The Savior in His glory watches over His sheep to protect them and perfect them.

David wrote beautifully about Jesus’ role as “Shepherd and Guardian” of our souls in the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Sheep are very unintelligent animals. They are timid, defenseless and helpless. They are always getting lost, hurt and snake-bitten. They literally do not know enough to come in out of the rain. And then to have God tell us that we are sheep–we could be really insulted. But if we are really honest with ourselves, we know it is true. I know that I lack wisdom and strength. I know my tendency to go my own way and do my own thing. I know that I am in need of a Shepherd!

Here, in Psalm 23, is a picturesque scene of sheep bedded down in grassy meadows, having eaten their fill and now totally satisfied, and then being led by still waters. Sheep are afraid of running water; they will drink only from a quiet pool. Jesus cares for our inner needs. He calms our fears. He gives direction to our lives, guiding us “in paths of righteousness.” Jesus is our great protector and guardian of our souls.

Corrie ten Boom has said, “When Jesus takes your hand, He keeps you tight. When Jesus keeps you tight, He leads you through your whole life. When Jesus leads you through your life, He brings you safely home”.

Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus announced, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). The Bible says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). As our Shepherd, He laid down His life for us, and as long as we remain within His fold, He will guard our hearts and minds. Our souls will never be in danger for Jesus said, “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28).

As we consider what Jesus has done and is continuing to do even today, it is no wonder we call Him Savior.

In life, Jesus is our Standard–the example which we must all follow.
In death, Jesus is our Substitute–the spotless Lamb of God, who bore our sins in His body on the cross.
In heaven, Jesus is our Shepherd–the Guardian of our souls.

Here, then, is the wonderful truth Peter wanted to share: as we live godly lives and submit in times of suffering, we are following “in His steps” and becoming more like Him. We trust and obey, not only for the sake of lost souls and for the Lord’s sake, but also for our own sake, that we might grow spiritually and become more like Jesus Christ.

The unsaved world is watching us, but the Shepherd in heaven is also watching over us; so we have nothing to fear. We can trust in Him and know that He will work everything together for our good and His glory.

Invitation:

Have you been following the example of Jesus? Are you striving to be more like Him? Have you been crucified with Him? Have you made Him your Shepherd and Guardian? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? If not, then I offer you the invitation of Jesus, to “follow in His steps” and make it right today  …