Pilot
We had closed part 2 of the series titled “Order, Order and Order” (based on the unique sequencing of Ps. 22-24) with a statement that unless we accept the truth of Psalms 22, we cannot claim the promises of Psalms 23. In the devotional slated for today, let’s once again re-focus on that truth besides reflecting on the significance of Growth in a Christian’s life.
At this stage, I am prompted to share a humorous yet insightful Church story involving a Sunday school girl. Given the task of reciting the first verse of Psalms 23 before a huge Church crowd (including her anxious parents), this girl is said to have uttered unwittingly out of nervousness the most profound statement one can make…yes one that would embody the trust professed by all Biblical heroes of faith “The Lord is my Shepherd and that’s all I want”. Boy, it sums it up!!!
Oh, how much anyone would like to appropriate the promises of this Blessed Psalm, which guarantees both abundant provision and protection so vital for our physical and emotional welfare in this journey we call life. Yes, the Almighty God takes over “the controls” only when you have received the pardon His Son had purchased on the Cross, guaranteeing thence not a “safe, trouble-free flight but a safe landing” on the ethereal shores. In the journey, there is that matter of moulding a Christian into His Son’s image. If by Jesus’ stripes we are healed, it follows that by the disfigurement of the Final Adam (Isaiah 52:14), we are put on the road of sanctification to get back the original, pristine image in God’s likeness that the First Adam lost in the Garden of Eden.
In this paramount growth process, there is something we need to do and there is something the Lord would do. I reiterate that throughout the Scripture, if there is one truth which gets reinforced time and again, it is that we need to do our part, then the Lord will do His. Only when we fill the water troughs with water, so to speak, will He turn them into wine vats (John 2:1-9)!!! Quite simple, really!!! While we need to exercise discipline in always taking time out for prayer, Bible-reading and Church fellowship, which represent the rich spiritual fare of “green pastures and still waters”, the Shepherd provides for strengthening our “inner man”, the troubles which come visiting once we endeavour to do His work by being His faithful witness are often thwarted by His rod at the “right time”. By then they (the troubles) would have accomplished the intended purpose in our lives of building up a Christ-like Character. Oh yes, the Staff of the Shepherd keeps us on the right track, should we veer off track. What a Blessed Psalm and What a Blessed Shepherd!!
Prayer: Father, there is nothing which can guarantee us complete peace barring the fact that You are in the driving seat of our lives. Lead us and guide us in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
(To access the entire “Order, Order, Order!” mini-series, please click here.)