“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 8:68
Dear Ones:
The words of the Apostle Peter mentioned above, underline the importance of being led by God, as in His economy, everything pertains to, and is in the perspective of that which is eternal. Not only does the matter of being led have eternal ramifications, but most importantly, it is a way by which God chooses to reveal Himself to the heart, that we might SEE and KNOW His presence, sufficiency, wisdom and power.. But if we are to understand “being led,” we must first look at the issue of origins, beginnings.
In the book of Isaiah, chapter 49, we read: “Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being His counselor hath taught Him?” (40:13) The context of this question is that of measuring and comprehending the creation of the world. God’s words to Job are so very applicable here: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?…Have you commanded the morning since your days; and caused the day-spring to know his place?” (38:4,12) The revelation of the sovereign power, knowledge, wisdom of God in creation, not to mention His goodness and mercy, is overwhelming when we consider HIS ability and will, to lead and guide us, as opposed to our petty “ideas.” How foolish it is, “…to lean unto our own understanding,” not acknowledging Him, and giving Him access in all things. Did He not promise: “…and He shall direct thy paths?” (Prov. 3:5,6)
Essential to our understanding of God’s desire and willingness to guide us is found in the revelation of His love and commitment to us. The Lord Jesus said, in speaking of His relationship to us, that He was the Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. (Jn.10) It was Paul who, in the midst of writing to the Galatians concerning the majestic work of Christ on the Cross, would declare of Him, “…who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20) It is the LOVE of God which is the beginning point when we consider being led by Him. No other person would ever do what He did, in order to save us. And no other person desires to lead and guide us, and is perfectly capable to do so, as the Lord Jesus. So, we begin with Him as our Teacher, Counselor, our Instructor and Lord. What then is our part? How are we to KNOW His leading, and have the knowledge of His will?
The first thing we always begin with is faith, faith in the faithfulness of God. The Lord Jesus put it so very simply, and concisely, in Mark’s gospel: “Have faith in God.” In the Old Testament, the phrase is: “Trust in the Lord.” It is the same concept, and position, to be taken. The second thing to know and practice is that we must “seek,” if we are to find. How? David prayed in Psalm 25:5, “…Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day.” David prays to be led, according to the truth of the word of God, and this, by the “God of his salvation.” In praying in this manner, he is seeking the Lord, and living in the expectation of His guidance, for he waits for Him all the day long. Thirdly, being led is being willing to believe, obey, and follow the Lord Jesus, according to what He reveals to our hearts. James tells us in his epistle, that we are not to ask God for wisdom unless we are wholehearted in our desire and commitment to receive, and obey it. Why? Because God GIVES wisdom to all men freely. (1:5) It is inconceivable that God does not, and will not, give that which is GOOD. The knowledge of the will of God, and the way in which he would lead us, IS good.
Dear Father, give us to see, first of all, that You are so very good. May we grasp that You, Lord Jesus, are intent, and eternally committed to guide us as the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, who gave His life FOR the sheep. Enable us to seek Thee with whole hearts, and live in the expectation of receiving that which we ask for in Your name, with thanksgiving. We praise Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad