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Devotional 8.8.25



Our Shepherd and Defender

1 Peter 2:24–25

He 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. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 

 

Scripture Reading – Psalm 82

Psalm 82 confronts injustice and reminds us that God defends the weak, with a plea, “Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations (Ps 82:8)! 1 Peter 2:24–25 proclaims how God accomplished this prayer: Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross. He took the judgment we deserved so that we could live in righteousness, healed by His wounds. Like sheep, we had gone astray, but Jesus—our Shepherd—brought us home. Christ’s sacrifice doesn’t just heal our souls; it also compels us to pursue justice, mercy, and righteousness in a broken world (Micah 6:8).

The songs we will sing together this Sunday remind us of God’s great love for us! All Creatures of Our God and Kingcalls us to lift up praise to our Creator and Redeemer. Grace declares the unearned favor we’ve received, reminding us that it’s Christ’s work, not ours, that restores us. The Love of God proclaims the vastness of God’s mercy toward us. These songs guide our hearts to remember the Gospel: we were lost, but are now found; dead, but now alive—all because of Jesus.

Further reading: Isaiah 53:4–6; John 10:11–18; Titus 3:4–7

Reflection Questions:

1.     How does Jesus’ role as your Shepherd shape your response to injustice and brokenness in the world?

2.     In what ways can you live out the righteousness Christ purchased for you today?

 

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for carrying my sin and healing my wounds. I was lost, but You sought me, saved me, and brought me into Your fold. Help me live as one redeemed—not in fear or guilt, but in the freedom of Your grace. Give me courage to stand for the weak, to pursue what is right, and to love as You have loved me. Guide me daily as my Good Shepherd. Amen.

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