This post is Day 9 in a series of studies about “Psalm 23”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Psalm 23 – Day 9

How can we be sure we are on the right path and following the right shepherd? The only way is to develop our own personal relationship with the Good Shepherd. To read His word and constantly ask Him to keep us on His path for our lives.

Jeremiah 23:1

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.

The Thought

The Old Testament has much to say about the shepherds, (the priests) of Israel, and there are 19 verses in the writings of the prophet Jeremiah which address the shepherds and their lack of care for God’s people. In Jeremiah 50:6 we read “My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains.”

Sadly today, there are priests and pastors who are not providing the right food for their flocks, who are leading them away from the Lord instead of towards Him. Throughout history, charismatic leaders have seduced people with their personalities, persuading them to give what they can’t afford, to live lives which are not honouring to God, and to worship idols instead of the living Lord.

How can we be sure we are “on the right path” and following the right shepherd? The only way is to develop our own personal relationship with the Good Shepherd. To read His word and constantly ask Him to keep us on His path for our lives. To verify for ourselves what our christian leaders are saying.

Jesus the Good Shepherd knows each one of us better than we know ourselves, and He will lead us to the “right” shepherd that He knows is teaching what we need to hear.

Action

Pray for those who you consider a “shepherd” today, asking God to keep them on the right paths. Pray that they will be teachers of God’s word and consequently lead their sheep into a closer relationship with Jesus.

Praise God for the good Christian leaders that you know of.

Praise Him for the internet which makes good teaching available to us today. Pray for discernment to watch and listen to beneficial messages.