Dear Ones:
If ever there was a concept that leads us to understand the nearness of God, it is that He promises to LEAD US. There are passages in Scripture which speak of Him taking us by the hand. Others speak to us of “how” He leads us, and what we are to pray concerning the way forward: “Teach me Thy way O Lord, and lead me in a plain (clear) path.” (Ps. 27:11) What is the basis for being led, the need and the remedy? The “need” has its origin in our limitations, so small, restrictive, and defined. Jeremiah wrote: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is NOT in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10:23) Solomon, in his great wisdom wrote: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5) Why do Jeremiah and Solomon declare such things? It is because of the limitations of man, his perception, his understanding, and his inability to grasp all that concerns what he sees and does not see. This is why the Lord declares that we are sheep in need of a Shepherd. This is one of the greatest, and simplest truths that David came to live by: “The Lord IS my Shepherd…He leadeth me.” (Ps. 23:1, 2)
The great remedy for the need of being led has its origin in God’s design of man. We often forget that one of the greatest reasons for which Christ died on the Cross, is so that we might have communion with God. This means sharing, experiencing the life of Christ. One of the wonderful ways that God reveals Himself to our hearts is by leading us, showing us the way, teaching us the way in which we should go. He leads us in “paths of righteousness (right-ness),” in order to reveal Himself to our hearts and minds, i.e. our souls. It is His intent to become a “living, bright reality to us.” This is why the Spirit of God has been given to us, to “guide you (us) into all truth.” (Jn. 16:13) Paul speaks of walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), and then, being led by the Spirit. (v.18) How can this be so? It becomes a reality to us when we believe the promises, and obey by faith, when we make the truth of our union with Christ by the Spirit our own. The Christian HAS the Spirit of God, and this, forever. The question is: Does the Spirit of God have the Christian, i.e. his trust, obedient heart?
Charles Wesley wrote a hymn, one stanza of which was a great prayer, expressing the principles of what we have been seeking to understand: “Come Jesus Lord, with holy fire, come and my quickened heart inspire, cleansed in Thy precious blood: NOW to my soul Thyself reveal (by the Spirit), Thy mighty working (by the Spirit) let me feel, since I am born of God.” Here is a man who is living by faith in Christ, according to the promises, the declared truth of this relationship of the Spirit and the believer. He is praying for the realization, the expression of it in his life, and this in no small measure. His desire is to be led, filled, strengthened by the Spirit, for in doing so, he lives for God, serving Him, but also, comes to KNOW Him.
Great Shepherd, who calls us individually by our name, take our hand and lead us. Fill us with the knowledge of Thy will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Strengthen us through and through to follow Thee by faith, and not by sight. And yet, open our eyes to see Thy glory, Thy goodness, Thy beauty, having fellowship with Thee. Indeed, grant to us all the grace to declare with our whole heart: “Thou leadest me…,” for Thy name’s sake. Amen.
Love, Dad