Streams in the Wilderness 10/28/2001
by Hudson Russell Davis
October 21
He Leads Me
What is most remarkable about the Israelites' stay in the desert is the dramatic and obvious way in which God led them. There was a pillar of fire by night and a cloud to guide them by day. God did not lead them out of Egypt to leave them to their own directionless wandering. He led them out of Egypt for a purpose He states in this way, "They will be my people, and I will be their God." Inherent in the idea that He is our Shepherd is that He leads us. Whether by nudging or by blows, whether by storms or whispers, whether by rain or drought...He leads us.
To be certain, a shepherd leads his sheep because his sheep need leading. He leads them because they are weak and because he alone knows the way home. It is not great mystery that the terrain is rocky and that dangers await the careless or ignorant. It is no surprise that many snares await even the sheep of the Great Shepherd. So, it should be no wonder that they need His leading. Self-sufficiency is self-deception. We are in need, desperate need. While David killed the bear and the lion we are all aware that there are things in life which elicit more fear than lions and bears. For these, David will not do.
He leads, yet, I am not fond of waiting. I am a fidgety soul. I have plans, desires and hopes but they are built on very little. Actually, I become lost an awful lot, and long for green pastures. I am sure He knows all these things and certain that should I TRULY cast my cares upon Him, I will learn He TRULY cares for me.
He leads me through His Word, in cooperation with The Spirit and the counsel of the Godly. What is unrevealed is unrevealed, obey what is revealed. Since His plans for me are for good and to prosper me, I say — "Where He leads, I will follow." Because, unique in the leadership of the Shepherd, is His presence which goes with me and before me.
Exodus 13:21, Exodus 13:22, Exodus 14:24, Numbers 14:14, Nehemiah 9:12, Nehemiah 9:19, Exodus 29:45, Jeremiah 29:11
Copyright(C)2001 Hudson Russell Davis
Originally published August 07, 2001.
