A sheep may wander astray from the flock and not know whether to turn to the right or to the left. Then he hears the voice of the shepherd in calling to him, and he has learned to trust the shepherd to lead him in the right way. In Isaiah's day, the voice was that knowledge within the minds and hearts of God's people pertaining to the Law as given through Moses; today, the knowledge includes that of the one whom Jehovah has made the “one shepherd” over the sheep, our Lord Jesus. The voice, however, include that which we have engraved in our minds and hearts through study of what Jehovah has revealed through the Bible. If one has not taken the time to genuinely study that Word, another voice within may lead him in a wrong direction.
Thus, in order to depend upon the voice, one needs to have an accurate knowledge of what the Bible says figuratively engraved in the heart. Such knowledge will lead him to recognize our Shepherd's voice rather than the many voices of the those who read their own understanding and the teachings of man into the Bible, as well as the philosophies of the world. Such voices may indeed lead one away from the voice spoken of by the prophet. If the heart is engraved with wrong knowledge, the voice heard will lead one in a wrong direction.
Thus, in order to depend upon the voice, one needs to have an accurate knowledge of what the Bible says figuratively engraved in the heart. Such knowledge will lead him to recognize our Shepherd's voice rather than the many voices of the those who read their own understanding and the teachings of man into the Bible, as well as the philosophies of the world. Such voices may indeed lead one away from the voice spoken of by the prophet. If the heart is engraved with wrong knowledge, the voice heard will lead one in a wrong direction.
Listening for God’s Direction in Times of Uncertainty
Every believer eventually reaches moments where the path divides and the way forward is unclear. When we stand at these crossroads—unsure whether to turn right or left—the wisest response is to pause and listen for the gentle voice of Jehovah. His guidance comes to us through His Word. As we meditate on Scripture, reflect on its principles, and consider its examples, the will of God becomes clearer. With prayerful hearts, we ask for the leading of His Spirit and seek to cultivate a posture of love, humility, and trust.
Relying on God’s Strength When We Feel Weak
On our own, we lack the strength to fully do the will of God. Yet He has not left us without help. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:17–20 that the same mighty power which raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the lives of His people. This divine strength supports us, sustains us, and carries us toward victory.
The Lord also spoke to Paul, saying, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). The same truth applies to us. God’s grace, His wisdom, and His power are available to every consecrated follower of Christ. When we offer Him our sincere faith, He supplies what we lack. He accepts us through Christ, guides us through His Word, and strengthens us in every moment of need. And if we remain faithful even unto death, He will honor His promise—granting glory, honor, and immortality, making us joint‑heirs with our Lord Jesus.
Receiving God’s Loving Discipline
Every time we experience correction, our Heavenly Father is shaping our character. His discipline is not punishment but preparation—removing what is unworthy so that we may be fit for His Kingdom and ready to reign with His Son. Scripture teaches, “He who listens to life‑giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).
This divine reproof is more valuable than any earthly possession. When God chastises us, it is evidence that He is dealing with us as His children. He is guiding, directing, and teaching us. We entered a covenant to serve the One who purchased us with the precious blood of Christ. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “You are not your own… therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Hearing the True Voice of Wisdom
The child of God must know where to seek counsel. The Prophet describes God’s guidance as a voice “behind you”—a reminder that true wisdom comes from the ancient and unchanging Word of Jehovah. Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, delivered to us the teachings of God so that we might walk securely.
This guiding voice is not found in new philosophies or shifting human theories—whether Evolutionism, Spiritism, Christian Science, or any other modern system. Instead, it is the enduring message of Scripture centered on Jesus as the Savior sent by God, and the hope of glorification with Christ our Lord, our Teacher, our Example, and our Leader.
Through the inspired words of the Apostles and Prophets, spoken long ago yet living still, God calls to His people. In His Word we hear Him say, “This is the way. Walk in it.”
MAY HIS CARE SURROUND
God bless you daily in the way
That leads to realms of life and light--
That you may follow in His steps
Who went before us; in the night.
Of His eternal strength and grace,
Whose will, no obstacle can thwart
May you in confidence and hope
Go forward; ever in your heart
May peace and joy and hope abound
And may His care your path surround.
Poems of the Way, page 7
========================
No comments:
Post a Comment