“The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.” Psalm 25:9
Dear Ones:
In the book of Isaiah, he writes: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek…” (61:1) Why does this passage specifically mention the “meek?” Jesus, in what is called the Sermon On The Mount, said: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Again, why is the term “meek” used with such a tremendous promise associated with it? The meek person is the one who, because of a true understanding of who he is, and a firm grasp of the reality of God, is receptive to the will, purpose, and provision of God. He is a good receiver, realizing that God alone is truly good, and that He gives out of His heart that which is good. So, the Spirit of God is given, so that the preaching of the gospel, and the revealed will of God, will go forth to the one who is receptive, teachable, and responsive in obedience to that which the Lord says and commands. Guidance begins with God, is communicated to the meek, and brought to fruition and clarity in the heart and mind of the one who truly seeks God for it. How do we KNOW that God will lead? And how do we know that He IS leading, and has led?
In the experience of David, as revealed in Psalm 23, we discover this meekness that God is looking for in the heart. We see a man who sees God as a Shepherd, so infinitely above a sheep, in every way. This Shepherd is eternal, all-knowing, all-loving, gracious and merciful, knowing the limitations and weaknesses of the sheep. David sees himself as a sheep, absolutely helpless in and of himself. He has not the capacity to lead himself, thus, he is totally cast upon the wisdom, love, and care of the Shepherd who cares specifically for him. The Lord Jesus would reveal His care of the sheep, as the Shepherd of the sheep, when He said: “…the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them forth.” (Jn. 10:3) He goes on to say, “He goeth before them (the sheep), and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.” (v.4) Isn’t it a wonderful thing that the Shepherd cares for His sheep to the point where He not only protects them when danger comes, but He speaks to them individually, calling them by name, leading them forth. There is a simplicity in God’s guidance, and we see it here, for the sheep cannot, and has not the capacity to understand fully where, and when, the Shepherd will lead. The sheep’s entire expectation is that of trusting the Shepherd to lead, in His time and way, for His purposes.
As to the motive of the Shepherd, and being assured that Christ, the great Shepherd WILL lead, in love and tender care of the sheep, He reveals the fact that the true shepherd will “…lay down His life for the sheep.” (v.15) This Shepherd places a greater worth on the life of His sheep than on His own well-being. Why? It is because of His nature, but also, because of His choice. He loves the sheep, and at the same time, has totally committed Himself to the well-being of the sheep. Therefore, He WILL lead, and this, in wisdom, righteousness, and love.
How does He lead? Simply put, He speaks. He calls forth. The first thing the Shepherd does is to present Himself to the sheep, to be seen of them. Secondly, it is to “reveal His word” to them. He gives the the knowledge of the truth of Himself and His ways, calling the sheep to go forth, following Him according to the word, resting and trusting in Him. The great confirming factor of the Shepherd’s leading is His peace, the peace that He gives by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit makes clear, and confirms, the Shepherd’s leading by the peace that He quietly gives.
Dear Father, Lead us in Thy truth, with Thy peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad