THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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K. Jensen once said, "Life is like a mule team. Unless you're the lead mule, all the scenery looks the same."
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Ps 73:24
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
KJV
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I once saw a sign that read, "If God is your co-pilot, you need to change seats!"
Do we lend ourselves to God's guidance, or are we trying to be the "lead mule?" Are we intentionally listening to God for divine direction, or are we listening to the world?
Once, when I was about 10 years old, Dad took me squirrel hunting. He took me to a place in the woods and told me, "See that stump over there. You can walk all around that stump, just keep it in sight. And I'll come back to get you after awhile." Well, I walked all around that stump - twice, and didn't see any squirrels. So I decided to take my OWN direction. And, guess what? I got lost! Thinking I knew how to find my way, only put me farther away from the stump. Pretty soon, I called out, "DAD?" And he was right behind me! He said, "You didn't keep the stump in sight did you?"
The psalmist gives us three thoughts here.
First, there is a commitment to God's leadership in his life. We have a definite need for God to guide us. Like children we are foolish in making choices, because all too often we rely upon our emotions or other's advice. It is much wiser to yield ourselves to Truth that never dies, and make decisions accordingly. Just as a pilot must trust his compass, a Christian must trust Christ. We must keep "the stump in sight!" "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
Second, God will lead us correctly. This is an expression of confidence. God will never fail to be our Counsellor and Friend. As long as we look diligently to His Word, God will give us the right direction. The Bible is an inerrant compass for moral direction. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Prov 3:6)
Third, the result of God's leadership is glory! What a blessed thought! God will determine to lead us to eternal glory, IF we make the commitment to trust Him and follow His direction. Even though we are sinful, wretched, always erring - God's desire and commitment is to deliver us to be WITH Him.
Let those thoughts bring comfort to your soul each day. We are weak, immoral creatures, constantly defiled by sin. But if we are committed to TRUST God, and take His direction, He will never lead us to an immoral decision. And though we err from "the path" often, God will correct and direct us back to the appropriate way. And God's way is LIFE!
Love ya,
Bruce