Let’s find out together, we will walk
the pathway over different and distinct sections.
He
leadeth me in the paths ….
Open Pathways
The whole of the English countryside is
crisscrossed with thousands of miles of footpaths all open to the general
public. The Living Word of God the Bible also opens up pathways and routes
(Psalm 25:10) which if explored in faith and expectancy will lead to
destinations almost indescribable, even so, it is very real and perhaps nearer
than we imagine at this time!
Closed Pathways
Some time ago I met a man who had spent
all his leisure time walking the open spaces; he informed me he had seen places
and views few had seen. I never walked the designated open paths rather he
selected the ‘Private grounds – not open to the public.’ He had a number
of run-ins with Lords, Earls, Sheriffs and Barbour coated land managers waving
sticks and calling for the dogs! What are you complaining about he asked them, I
am only walking and I am on my own. I am ‘Private’ and the sign states
‘Private Grounds, ‘so what’s the problem! He
loved the countryside and he loved the challenge.
In
Circulation Today
Certainly, we should look at the
Biblical guide book. It has been in circulation and constant use over the years.
I am still using the same Bible, the book my grandfather treasured and used 150
years past! The latest
technical Sat-nav’s are good, but so limited, they fail to reach the final
eternal destinations that we know in our hearts exist, beyond the next ‘blind
summit!
Personal
and Universal Truth
23:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he
leadeth me beside the still waters.
3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy
rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What majestic and beautiful language.
(2 Timothy 3:16). Descriptive, inspirational it is so personal and at the same
time so universal. Open for all, not limited to the favoured few. Come on,
let’s go, we are safe on this path. Where does the path lead?
Victory
and Vindication
The problems and difficulties along our
journey are equalled by the clear guidance given to the believer by the Lord
every step of the way. Along the way we have a sense of victory and vindication,
in the times of want and weariness, in the valley we shall see a number of
enemies however we see them in perspective. The Lord is with us and we can see
past the valley of sickness, bereavement and death to the infinite ‘Beyond.’
Many acres of green pastures are
available for rest and refreshment, great stretches of quite blue waters with
access to drink have been provided all along the pathway of our journey.
The shepherd would lead his sheep to
the very best pastures of green grass; he would take them from one location to
another, from place to place, always safe and secure places. He cared for his
sheep and provided the very best for them.
Wonderful
Word-Merge
Jesus said “I am the Good
Shepherd,” and then takes us much deeper in understanding by saying “Fear
not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the
Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). Here we have a shepherd and flock. Then we have
‘your Father’s good
pleasure’ and the flock is replaced with a human family – to which will be
given the Kingdom. The family have become a ‘Nation’. Metaphors are mixed
but they are magnificent. This is word – merge at its brilliant best. Jesus is
wonderful with words and language and from the Saviour we are made aware the
life is more important than language and the truth of the Gospel transcends all
literature in reality. That is the reason the Bible is the greatest book, the
greatest library of literature the world has ever known.
Balance
of Truth
The words of the psalm and the words of
the gospels agree perfectly. The gentleness and the severity are in balance,
these principles are seen in each biblical doctrine and truth. He leads and at
times He drives. There is granite as well as grace in the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
He will lead. He will guide. He will
supply all our need. He will comfort and strengthen He will take us along the
paths of righteousness, for they are the right paths!
Where
Does the Path Lead?
One of my favourite old preachers once
said, He will lead us on till finally the path ends not in a tangled wilderness,
but in the King’s palace.
‘In my Father's house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for
you.’ (John 14:2)
Where does the path lead? For Christian believers the path leads to the palace, the path leads home.
Page created 4 September 2006