For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  I Peter 2:25

When an ancient king planned to journey through a desert landscape, the way was prepared beforehand by his advance team.  The road was inspected, repaired where needed, and all that would obstruct his journey was addressed.

Jesus was our advance team.  He came to prepare the way for us to walk the path to His kingdom.  The infant Shepherd who napped in the manger was also the One who made crooked paths straight.

And not only is He the little Shepherd but He is also the little Overseer of our souls.

That means He is the caretaker of our inside world.  He exposes sin and inspires repentance.  He encourages us to examine each crooked place in our hearts so things can be made straight.  He saves us from painful detours.  He cheers us on when we limp. He picks us up when we’re lame.  He helps us when we’re emotionally and spiritually feeble.

We have a deep desire to be known by One who loves us and has earned our trust.  Because we were wired for this divine connection, our souls strain to be under the care of One who sees it all, the good and the bad. We want to belong to the One who can craft an environment where we will thrive.  But there is a caveat ~ we must first give up our lives to Him in surrender.   

You are the perfect Shepherd and perfect Overseer.  I’m going to let you define what is best for me without limiting Your influence.  Amen