Owned by God: Understanding the Sheep and Shepherd Relationship
Title: Owned by God: Understanding the Sheep and Shepherd Relationship
Speaker: Ptr. Francisco Reland
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19
Being Owned by God is the foundation of our relationship with the Lord. Have you ever paused to consider how deep this connection truly is? It is unlike any other bond we experience in life, not marriage, work, or even our closest friendships. At the heart of our faith is this simple yet profound truth: because we are Owned by God, our lives are filled with security, identity, and purpose as followers of Christ.
The Biblical Meaning of Being Owned by God
When we read the Bible, we see how often God describes our relationship with Him like that of sheep and a shepherd. In the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a person’s wealth was measured by their livestock. The shepherd didn’t just look after the sheep; he owned them. In the same way, we belong to the Lord, and He cares for us with the same absolute devotion.
Sheep didn’t make big decisions for themselves; the shepherd did. Similarly, to belong to the Shepherd means letting Him guide our lives. We trust His wisdom and surrender our plans to His will, knowing He has the right to lead us.
Redeemed with a Price: The Cost of Our Salvation
But here’s the amazing part: this relationship isn’t something forced on us. He chose us and paid the greatest price to make us His own. The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth of this incredible truth:
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV)
It’s easy to forget that we are not our own; we are Owned by God. While the world may pursue independence, we, as Christians, can find joy in knowing we belong to our Savior. And the price to make us His? It wasn’t paid with money. Peter puts it beautifully:
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV)
God didn’t buy us with perishable things like silver or gold; He gave His only Son for us. Because we were purchased through this precious payment, each of us is deeply valued and loved by Him.
Ownership vs. Possession: A Vital Distinction
Understanding this legal ownership brings comfort, even when we mess up. Ptr. Francisco Reland once told a story about a stolen bicycle. The owner still had the receipt and title, which meant he was the true owner, even if the bike wasn’t with him at that moment.
In the same way, there are seasons when we wander away from God or feel distant. Even then, we are still Owned by God; He holds the proof, bought with Jesus’ blood. This isn’t a reason to be careless, but a call to come back and serve Him, not out of fear, but out of love and belonging.
Conclusion: Living as Those Owned by God
Our relationship with Jesus is just like sheep and their shepherd; we are bought with a price, and we’re not our own. Let this truth sink in today. We do good works not to earn our salvation, but because we look forward to one day seeing Jesus, who loves us and owns us as His own.
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank Thee that we are not our own, but we are Owned by God. We thank Thee for the precious blood of Jesus that redeemed us from our sins. Help us to glorify You in our body and in our spirit, which are Thine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Join us every Sunday! If you are looking for a church family that preaches the Bible and cherishes the old-time faith, we invite you to visit Antioch Baptist Church.
For an easier way to get updates, visit and follow our Facebook Page.