LEADING FROM THE FRONT

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

READ:
Psalm 23

He leads me beside the still
waters.   He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of
righteousness for His name's
sake.  -Psalm 23:2-3

Stephen Ambrose's book Band of Brothers follows the US Army's Easy Company from training in Georgia through the Normandy Invasion of D-Day (June 6, 1944) and ultimately to the end of World War II in Europe.  For the bulk of that time, Easy Company was led by Richard Winters.  Winters was an especially good officer because he led from the front.  The most commonly heard words from Winters in combat were, "Follow me!"  Other officers may have sought the safety of the rear areas, but if Winters' men were going into combat, he was going to lead them.

Jesus is the one true Leader of His children.  He knows what we need and where we are most vulnerable.  His leading is part of what makes Psalm 23 the most beloved song in the Bible's hymnal.  In verse 2, David says that the Shepherd "leads me beside the still waters," and in verse 3 he adds, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."  These twin ideas reveal why His care is so complete.  Whether it is times of refreshing and strengthening ("still waters") or seasons of doing what pleases Him ("paths of righteousness"), we can follow Him.

As the old song says, "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness; all I have to do is follow." -Bill Crowder

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness;
All I have to do is follow.
Strength for today is mine always
And all that I need for tomorrow. -Cox
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Jesus knows the way-follow Him!

INSIGHT
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved texts in all of Scripture.  The metaphor of a shepherd's care for his sheep paints a picture of the concern God has for His people.  This care is both physical (v.2) and spiritual (v.3).  The critical moment in the psalm is verse 4.  Up to this point, David refers to the Shepherd in the third person ("He") and describes God to the listener of the song.  Beginning in verse 4, David's attention turns from the listener to the Lord using second person "You."  Now the singer's full focus is on the Lord and His care-in life's dark moments and in seasons of provision (vv.4-5).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace