“…he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Psalms 23:3
For the benefit of His name, as it represents His character and glory, He leads me (provided I am following) in THE paths of righteousness (as opposed to other paths that are NOT of His righteousness).
He leads me. Jesus does not point me to the paths of righteousness, or just give me instructions on how to find them, but He leads me Himself. He takes each of us by the hand and says, “Follow me.” He does not leave us to walk these paths alone, but says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb 13:5) and “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt 28:20) He leads us in the paths of righteousness to the Father. No one comes to the Father except Jesus leads them. (John 14:6)
He leads us by His Spirit through His Word. John 14:26
Notice that Jesus does not lead us down any paths. He uses the definite article “the”. “The paths of righteousness.” I will write more about this tomorrow, but for now, think on the following verses:
“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” (Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9)
“He has shown you, oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
He leads us. He only asks that we walk with and follow Him.
God bless.
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