Green Pastures
Weekly Devotional

He Leadeth Me

 

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand".  (Psalm 37:23,24)

 

It was dark as I made my way next door to the church we pastored in the farming town to which God had called us. I needed to use the piano and because we did not have one, I was given permission to use the church piano when needed. There was an empty lot between our house and the church, and because it was part of a farmer’s field, it was rough and walking was difficult, especially in the dark. But my young son, who was no more than 6 came along to (in his words) “be sure I was safe”.  He had played in that empty lot and knew the dips and gopher holes, all the rough spots that could trip me up. He was very aware of his self appointed role and in a manner of great responsibility for one so young, he took my hand and said, “Don’t fall, mom. Hold my hand”. as he walked slightly ahead of me, leading me and pointing out the roughest spots so I would not fall. That has been stored in my mother- heart all these years.

 

Because I am a detail person, I have learned – and taught - that when studying scripture, details are definitely important. Even the tiniest word in the right place can change, enrich or shed light on the correct meaning of a bible passage. 

 

As I was reading about the great exodus of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt, I noticed how often the small word “led”, was used.

Months ago I wrote about Jehovah Nissi – God my Banner. The biblical import is that God, like the kings of old, led the troops into confrontation with the enemy. As long as the king’s soldiers kept their eyes on the banner, they knew what was expected of them – to follow that banner and the signals it sent forth for the troops.  We saw that played out before us as we read about the trek through the wilderness on their way to Canaan. Over and over, we find the word “led”.  Sometimes it was a dark cloud, or a pillar of fire. Sometimes it was Moses out in front by the Lord’s direction, leading the way. 

 

The word “led” implies that there was someone or something out in front, guiding.  Why do you suppose God, through Moses, “led” the Children of Israel? I’m sure that their slowness, their disobedience, their tendency to wander their own way made God want to get behind and push. But instead, He chose to lead.

 

He did not walk behind them, flailing a whip to get them moving, being certain they were going the right way and keeping order. They could have wandered off the chosen route and gone their own way, but He wanted them to choose to follow Him. If they obeyed, going where He was leading them, did what He wanted them to do, they would be fine. No pitfalls, no surprise attacks because they would be taken care of by the one out in front, leading. He knew where all the trouble spots were, what dangers they would face, what enemies lurked, ready to attack. He would protect if they followed closely. They never needed to worry if He led them down the wrong road or abandoned them halfway to their destination. 

 

How often we are prone to go our own way, not allowing God to lead us along the way that is best for us. He wants us to willingly follow Him.  That is not easy in today’s world. Many want to be out front giving directions, keeping order – our way.  We see the results when we see how countries are being run. We cry out to God “LEAD US, LORD!”, then continue on our own, ignoring what God is trying to show us.  Following God requires a heart transplant, asking God to give us hearts so surrendered that, unlike the Israelites, we don’t need a cloud or a pillar of fire to guide us. We have been given the best guides possible - the Holy Spirit and the word of God. 

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"Show me your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me". (Psalm 25:4,5)

 

“He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll'wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.”

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"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God".  (Romans 8:14)

 

B. Klassen                     beatrice.klassen@outlook.com