Day 19 – In The Paths
Jesus said there is a wide path and a narrow one and most people choose the wrong one.
Day 19 – In The Paths
Psalm 23:3 — “…in the paths of righteousness…”
Throughout the Bible, you’ll find paths and roads on almost every page. Jeremiah mentioned ancient paths and Isaiah wrote about a highway in the wilderness.
In Proverbs, there are straight paths, crooked paths, level paths, and the paths of sinners, the wicked and fools.
There are paths of peace and life, the way of the Lord, the way of holiness … of truth … love … justice … humility … understanding … of darkness—and paths that seem right but aren’t.
So, how do we know what path to take?
Jesus said there is a wide path and a narrow one and most people choose the wrong one. He didn’t merely point people toward the right path. He said:
John 14:6
“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Those words were spoken by the Good Shepherd.
The Hebrew word for “paths” is ma’gal. It refers to a well-worn track, a path that has been traveled so often it has become clearly established. It wasn’t a new trail being blazed through the wilderness. It was a proven route—a road that had been tested time and time again.
A wise shepherd led his flock along familiar paths that he knew would safely take them to fresh pasture, quiet waters and secure resting places. He knew where the dangerous cliffs were and where predators lurked. He knew which trails led to dead ends and which led safely home.
If you’ve ever visited a national park, you’ve noticed signs that say, “Stay on the trail.” They’re there because someone knows what lies beyond the path. Dangerous cliffs, hidden hazards or wildlife may be just a few steps away. You need a guide that you trust. That’s the key.
Is there an area of your life where you’re tempted to leave the Shepherd’s path and take your own shortcut? The easiest road is rarely the best and the most popular isn’t always the right one. Keep your eyes on the Shepherd. He has walked every step of the path He asks you to follow. He knows where the danger lies and where the green pastures wait. The safest place you’ll ever be is right behind the Shepherd who never leads His sheep astray.
