1 Peter 2:25–Sheep Going Astray For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. This text gives us an outline of the message of the whole Bible. How wonderfully simple the gospel is! Here we learn of sheep, a Shepherd and safety. May the Lord help us to understand the spiritual lessons of the illustration. Sinners are very like sheep. Of all creatures sheep are most prone to wander and to become lost. They go into places of danger. On steep, rocky hillsides they may stumble and fall, wounding themselves and even becoming trapped. What hope for them then? We too have gone astray. In Adam we left the path of God’s holy law and entered into the broad way that leads to destruction. The result of Adam’s first sin is that all mankind “go astray as soon as they be born” (Psa.58:3). Deadly harm and hurt has been done to our souls by sin; we are full of “wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores” (Isa.1:6). We are on the brink of hell and everlasting punishment. The gospel is the announcement of a Shepherd who has come to seek such lost sheep. Willingly and lovingly Christ undertook to rescue those who could not save themselves. He died for sinners at Calvary and now by His word and Spirit He blesses them with all the benefits of His atonement. No shepherd on earth knows or cares for his flock perfectly. But Jesus Christ is the “great shepherd” (Heb.13:20); as the “Bishop of [our] souls” He is fully aware not only of our outward state but also of our inmost needs – and has grace to help us. What is required of us to enjoy this salvation from sin? We are called to return. We must repent of sin. Turn about and go to God, pleading the name of Christ and trusting in His precious blood to save you. You may be sure that the strong Shepherd Himself will deal kindly with you, for He has said: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).