The Shepherd and Bishop of Your Souls • Deshen Daily

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25, KJV)

In explaining Jesus’s role in fulfilling Isaiah 53, the Apostle Peter portrays Him as the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. Let’s delve into the three key terms in this phrase: “shepherd,” “bishop,” and “souls.”

Firstly, Jesus cares for our souls. Here, ‘soul’ refers to our entire life—body, spirit, and soul. It does not in any wise mean the soul as separate from the body or spirit. Jesus offers comprehensive care, foretold in Isaiah 53, where He appears as the suffering Servant. He bears our sins and heals our bodies (Matt. 8:16-17), restoring both body and spirit.

The pairing of ‘shepherd’ and ‘bishop’ is enlightening. A shepherd nurtures, protects, and oversees sheep in a pasture. Conversely, a bishop guides, nurtures, and is responsible for a congregation of believers. Essentially, a bishop does for people what a shepherd does for sheep.

As the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), Jesus offers comprehensive care for His people. He addresses our sins, revitalizing both our spirits and bodies. He vigilantly guards our well-being and knows our strengths inside out. He ensures we face no temptations greater than our ability to withstand (1 Corinthians 10:13). If we fall into sin, His blood cleanses us. During times of discouragement or despair, His joy invigorates us. Amid life’s anxieties and fears, His peace calms our hearts. In the face of Satan’s assaults, He provides protection. When illness strikes, He stands as our Healer. He meets all our needs with His boundless riches.

David’s proclamation, “The Lord is my shepherd,” found in Psalm 23:1, gave us only a glimpse of the Lord’s all-encompassing care in the Old Testament era. How blessed we are today in Christ to experience the complete fulfillment of Psalm 23:1, as the Lord shepherds our spirits, souls, bodies, and every facet of our lives.

Meditate

As explained above, how are the terms ‘shepherd’ and ‘bishop’ interrelated?

Apply the Word

Jesus is ever-watchful. He stands beside you as your Shepherd, whether facing temptation or enduring life’s storms. David acknowledged that Jesus is indeed your Shepherd, and you shall lack nothing.