Locations on the Journey
“He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3, NRSV).
Imagine the “paths of righteousness” (Ps. 23:3) stretching out before
you, way out into the distance. You cannot see the end, but you know
that at the end of the journey is home, God’s house. As you focus a little
closer to you, do you see where the path leads? You can see some places
clearly, but other parts are totally obstructed by large or dangerous
obstacles. Sometimes the path disappears over a ridge. Some parts of
the path are easy to walk along; others are difficult. It was just like this
as Israel traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, and it is described
the same way in this psalm.
Identify from Psalm 23 the locations that David sees the sheep pass-
ing through when following the paths of righteousness as they make
their way to the house of the Lord.
But why are these paths called “paths of righteousness” or “right
paths” (NIV, NRSV)? Here are four important reasons. First, they
are the right paths because they lead to the right destination—the
Shepherd’s home. Second, they are the right paths because they keep
us in harmony with the right Person—the Shepherd Himself. Third,
they are the right paths because they train us to be the right people—
like the Shepherd. Fourth, they are the right paths because they give
us the right witness—as we become the right people, we give glory
to the Lord. They are “right” or “righteous” paths, whether the going
is easy or hard.
It is important to realize that when God leads us, it is not simply a
question of His delivering a parcel to the destination. It is much more
than guidance and protection. Like the many examples all through
the Bible in which God is leading His people (whether it is leading
Abraham by His promises or leading Israel by the pillar of fire and
cloud), when God is guiding, it is always about His training His people
in righteousness.
How conscious are you that righteousness is the Shepherd’s pri-
ority for your life? How can trials change your life so that you
better reflect the character of Christ?
