“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25
Overseer
When my husband and I go on a vacation for longer than a few days, we try to get someone we trust to look in on the house—bring in the mail and newspaper, water the plants, feed the cat. We want someone to take a look around to see if anything is amiss. We would not expect them to do anything extra, such as paint the fence, wash the windows, or sweep the porch. Ideally, if the hired caretaker loved our home as much as we do, such as one of our grown children, he or she might do those extra things without being asked, but if it is the neighbor boy we hire, we just hope he shows up.
The word overseer in today’s passage has the flavor of caretaker or guardian. It is, in this case, speaking of Jesus. Jesus, in His role as Overseer of my soul, makes sure that all things are accomplished in me. He watches over my soul, seeing to it that I will safely arrive in eternity. He inspects my soul for things that need attention. He lives inside to see that all is well with me. He beautifies, repairs, and updates as needed. He tends to all areas of my life, taking charge of the work and making certain that outcomes are accomplished.
He, as the actual property owner and not just a visitor or neighbor, lovingly watches over and cares for what belongs to Him—my soul.
“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous” (1 Peter 3:12).
“Jesus, You continually bless us with Your caring, watchful eye. We offer ourselves to You, the Overseer Who accomplishes all things in us. Amen.”