“Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25, NLT)

One of the longstanding debates amongst the followers of Jesus is the efficacy of salvation, or “If a person is saved by grace can they subsequently lose that salvation?”

This passage is one of many which address this question. The answer is explicit in the text, since Jesus is the Shepherd and Guardian of my soul, I cannot overpower his work by act or attitude. Jesus said of himself that he is the “Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep” and that “I know my sheep and my sheep know my voice” (John 10.11, John 10.27). The Bible gives witness that it was for the “love of the whole world” Jesus came (John 3.16) but only those who receive him shall be saved from judgment of sin (John 3.18). If we can somehow overcome that grace given to us, the name by which Jesus calls us, it would seem to quickly follow that Jesus is confused about his role since he doesn’t really know his sheep since the sheep he “now has” may not be his sheep at a later date.

Jesus wanted to make sure that his disciples knew how seriously he took the role of shepherd of souls. Toward the end of providing a peek into his heart, Jesus spoke the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18.12-14). Bottom line is that Jesus just is not into “losing” sheep and when “sheep” are lost, he goes and finds them.

It amazes me that so much valuable time has been expended on this singular question when Christians ought to be wrestling with the much more pertinent set of questions under the header, “How can I honor my shepherd?”

Peter, who knew a thing or two about being “lost”, admonishes the church with the answer. He tells the Christ-follower, “Since Jesus suffered on your behalf, you ought to also follow his example of suffering for his sake.” (1 Peter 2.21-23)

I know my shepherd will keep my soul until such a day as I am delivered into eternal rest; what I don’t know is whether or not I will honor the great price paid for my assurance with a life that reflects the enormity and value of the gift I have received. It seems to me that I have been given some measure of choice in the matter of whether or not to honor the one who gave up everything for me. It is my deepest hope that the sum of my life equals honor to the Shepherd and Guardian of my soul.

May it be so!