LEADS

Psalm 23:1-3 - The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He LEADS me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life; He LEADS me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

I know most of us have heard the 23rd Psalm until it has probably lost a lot of its impact and meaning. The Lord showed me a glimpse of what He means by "leading" while I was running my dog this morning. We go out every morning at 8:00 a.m. so there is always much traffic to contend with. Most of my running trails have paved walkways, but throughout my neighborhood there is not so much as a curb. It's blacktop pavement then grass. Obviously, it is my responsibility to keep my eyes open for oncoming cars, and to keep us both out of harm's way. Many times my beloved pet becomes distracted by other dogs being walked, a taunting squirrel, or simply an invisible scent she has picked up out of thin air. Again, it is up to me to keep us on the right path and away from danger.

In the 23rd Psalm God uses the analogy of a Shepherd and his flock for an important reason: authority. From the onset we need to understand who the Shepherd is, who the master is, and who has control. The Shepherd leads the sheep not into dangerous fields, not on frivolous, wasteful adventures, but to green pastures and restful waters with Goodness and Mercy as constant companions. Matthew 18:12 explains what happens when the sheep decide to wander off away from the Shepherd's care.

I know most of us don't like the notion of being at the end of God's leash. Well, let me ask you this. How does it feel being at the end of Satan's? Years ago I found myself at the end of his noose and it was a living nightmare.

This is how I see it in my mind's eye. God and I are walking hand in hand through the Mall. I look and act like I'm about five years old. I look right and left and in every direction at all the beautifully lit up shops. I pull this way and that begging to go into the alluring stores, but my Father simply says, "No my dear we must keep walking forward. I'm taking you to a much nicer place. Trust me." In my disappointment and anger I pull all the more, the beginnings of a minor tantrum on the horizon. Finally, when my curiosity and independence can take it no longer, I pull from his grasp and dart into the nearest store. I'm totally overwhelmed by the shiny trinkets and pretties all around. After what seems like five minutes of indulgence I look around for my Father but I can't see him. Desperation and panic sets in and I frantically run out of the store looking this way and that, calling out his name, but only see the faces of strangers.

Lord, I pray that we would never break free from your loving grasp. I pray that we would trust you and follow you to green pastures and restful waters and always cherish that invisible leash that yokes us to your mercy and loving-kindness.