Scripture:  1 Peter 2:24-25

24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Observations:

Jesus bore our sins on the cross.

So that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

His wounds bring healing to us.

We were like lost sheep.

But now, we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

Application:  Healing for the sin-sick.

Jesus said He was the good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10)  He is healing our hearts so that we can die to sin and live to righteousness.  Righteousness has to do with our relationships.  Independence from God infects our relationships with sin and brokenness.  The consequences of sin can leave people washed up in a wake of destruction.  The “straying sheep” is living independent of God and for sure is leaning into his or her own way rather than the way of God (Proverbs 3:5-6).  The image of Jesus dying on the cross that we might live is a picture of enduring grace for our lives.  When I sin and infect my relationships with death, Jesus can lead me and the other person into the grace necessary for the healing of our souls.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have raised up Jesus as the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul.  Lead me into your grace for relationships today.  May I with you be a source of healing and life.  AMEN.