The Bishop of Our Souls

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, May 9, 2025

Today's Text: 1 Peter 2:20-25

Key Verse: Matthew 5:14 (KJV): "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

As the world turns its gaze toward Rome, and a new chapter unfolds in the history of the papacy; we, amidst this grandeur tradition, must find for our hearts a deeper and more enduring connection with the one who is the true shepherd of our souls. Let us turn our attention inward, away from the earthly realm of leadership, and fix our gaze upon Jesus, the bishop of our souls, whose authority transcends earthly titles and whose love encompasses all of humanity. In this devotional meditation, we will reflect on His unwavering care, His gentle guidance, and the eternal security we find under His watchful eyes, a steadfast presence that remains constant and eternal, while Popes come and die.

To understand the right context of the text before us, we must first understand what the words “For ye were as sheep going astray” means. The going astray does not attach or refer to the “sheep” in the construct; rather, it is a predicate of the sentence, “ye were going astray like sheep.” The coordinating conjunction “for” introduces an explanation of how all of us came to be in need of a shepherd and bishop of our soul. It is because we all, Gentiles or Israel, are far gone in wilful errors, Pontiff, Catholics and all, every man to his own way as sheep. And just as a shepherd guides and leads their flock back, Jesus our ultimate Shepherd leads us back to Himself. Therefore, we must not be derailed by the emergence of a new Pope, when Jesus remains the Chief Shepherd, caring for each of us with precision and love.

We must stay connected to Jesus, the Shepherd of our souls. We must look to Him for guidance, protection, and salvation. Just as sheep follow the shepherd's voice, we must listen to Jesus' voice and follow His teachings. The role of spiritual leaders, like the Pope, bishops, and other leaders is to guide us towards Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd. We are not to deify or hero-worship them. Our desire, love, allegiance and worship must be to the Lord Jesus Christ alone, who is the author and finisher of our faith. In view of this, we must also pray for all spiritual leaders, that they may lead with humility, wisdom, and a deep connection to Jesus.

Action Steps: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus, the Shepherd of your soul. Are you listening to His voice and following His teachings? Pray for spiritual leaders, including the new Pope, that they may lead with humility and wisdom. Seek guidance from Jesus in times of uncertainty and doubt.

Quote for the Day: "Just as a shepherd guides their flock with precision and love, Jesus cares for our souls with even greater precision and love." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Shepherd of our souls. Help us to stay connected to Him and follow His teachings. Guide our spiritual leaders with wisdom and humility, and may we be drawn closer to You — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 23, John 10:11, and Hebrews 13:20.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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