As we consider our daily walk with the Lord, we must apply a sound mind that is being refined with increasing clarity, so that we avoid the many pitfalls our enemy, Satan, will use against us.
If we rely on our own strength, we will undoubtedly be pulled off course and away from the truth found in scripture. To remain fixed on Jesus Christ requires eyes that can see and ears that can hear what the Holy Spirit is trying to reveal.
For this to occur requires us, the sheep, to observe our surroundings and follow where our Shepherd, Jesus, is leading. If not, we will be led astray and away from his care and protection that he offers.
If we consider the general nature of sheep, they are simple creatures who are dependent on their shepherd for their daily needs and protection. Psalm 23 illustrates this point and the position we are to have under the care of Jesus Christ.
David writes, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23, The Holy Bible, ESV, 2001, Crossway).
Notice the phraseology used to distinguish our placement under his authority, as well as the instructions, the encouragement, and expectations we are to receive. David doesn’t say that “you “are the shepherd, he clearly points to the LORD as having authority over us. He doesn’t imply an option in lying down, he clearly points out that the LORD “makes me lie down in green pastures.”
I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on this passage and consider where you may have been out of alignment with God’s plan and instruction for your life, and to recognize that daily self-examination is not only required of us as followers of Jesus Christ, but also ensures that we not become misled by our enemy.
We must all recognize that we were made in the image of God, just as Satan and the fallen angels were. And just like Satan and the fallen angels, we too are susceptible to becoming disobedient and rebellious towards our heavenly Father, and becoming self-sufficient and self-focused, so that we not allow the LORD to lead, but we become the lord over our own lives instead.
Often times this will occur subtly, as we allow ourselves to take authority that was never given to us to begin with, while subverting God’s authority over our lives instead of surrendering ourselves under him. And then with that, we will encounter the consequences of our sinful conduct against God by him allowing Satan to torment us and mislead us away from the love, joy, and peace that God offers, until we let go and allow the LORD to lead once again.
It is my hope that as we live out our individual lives, we become increasingly aware of our surroundings and our position relative to the Good Shepherd we are to follow, as disciples of Jesus Christ. And we must recognize that we cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus if we are leading our own lives or being misled by the many schemes our enemy, Satan, uses to pull us off the narrow and hard path that leads to God’s kingdom.
In Christ.
Restoration Road Ministry.org 