List of Names & Titles
the OVERSEER OF YOUR SOULS
(1 Peter 2:24-25)
The context is that of sinful people who have strayed away from God, but who have now returned to Jesus, the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls. Apart from Christ Jesus, He is not the Bishop of our souls; but in Christ He is!
Overseer : from the Greek word episkopos which means:"an Overseer, a superintendent, a ruler, a guardian." Derived from epí which means:"upon, or on" - and skopos which means:"look intently; thus a watchman." Thus a Bishop is someone who "looks intently upon, and watches over other persons."
Souls : from the Greek word psychon: the plural form of 'psyche' which means:"the breath, or the soul; and variously means: the vital breath, breath of life, the human soul, the soul as the seat of affections and will, the self, a human person, an individual." Within the context of this title, the sum of of these 'soul' definitions is embraced. Jesus is the Overseer and Gardian of our whole life, our whole being!
Just as a Shepherd watches over his sheep, so also Jesus oversees and guards the souls of those people whose spiritual Shepherd He is. Consider these promises of Jesus:
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.." (Matthew 28:16-20)
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he who comes to Me shall never hunger; and he who believes on Me shall never thirst...; all who the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and those who come to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the Father's will who has sent Me, that of all which He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise them up again on the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise them up on the last day." (John 6:35-40)
"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
How is Christ Jesus able to be the Bishop of so many souls throughout the whole world? Consider these verses:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)
"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2)
"And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised up Christ from the dead shall also make-alive your mortal bodies by His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:10-11)
Jesus is ...
the Overseer of our souls
our Shepherd, and we are the sheep of His flock,
and He always watches over His flock like a Good Shepherd,
through His Word, and through His indwelling Spirit,
even to the end of the age!
Thank You Jesus for being the Ruler over our souls!
Thank You for the guidance of Your Word and Your Holy Spirit!
Truly, truly, Amen and Amen!
My hope and prayer is that this devotional will help draw you close to the Lord Jesus as you spend time in personal meditative thoughtfulness on what this title or name means in regards to your own relationship with Jesus!
If you have been blessed by this devotional, then perhaps prayerfully consider who you might share this web page with.
May Jesus the Bishop of your soul lead and guide you into the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
Always and always - Amen!
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