Returned

Again that last verse, this time as a stand-alone, focusing in on the word returned.

For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2.25

 He is not writing to people who were backslidden and now got their act together, he is writing to the church in general.

The word returned takes me back to a fruit tree in a nice place called Eden.

We belonged to God.

We were tragically separated from God.

Now we have wonderfully returned.

This is exactly what redemption is.

Something that was lost is recovered, usually with a price.

Sometimes at an extraordinarily high price.

As costly as the very blood of the Redeemer.

 We have returned!