Last week, I introduced the concept of guidance in our human experience. I suggested that guidance, from Almighty God, can be very real - by those who don't even accept His existence, as much as for those who actively seek to follow Him.
It is in the light of that statement that, this week, I want to consider the promise of such guidance. You see, this isn't simply some strange idea that I have thought up, all by myself! I have actually found that it is assured throughout the written Word of God - the Bible.
For example, in what would surely be a strong contender for the title "the best-known part of the Bible", the 23rd Psalm, we find these words of the psalmist-king, David:
"He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness, for His name's sake." (vs.2-3; emphases added). The promise of guidance.
In Psalm 25: 8ff we read:
"Good and upright is YHWH; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of YHWH are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Thy name’s sake, O YHWH, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man that fears YHWH? Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose." (emphases added). The promise of guidance.
The 32nd Psalm contains this clear promise:
"I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;" (v.8; emphasis added) The promise of guidance.
When we look at Psalm 48, the message is even more clear:
"... this is God, our God for ever and ever. He will be our guide for ever." (v.14; emphasis added). The promise of guidance.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God also promises guidance for His people:
"I will lead the blind in a way that they know not, in paths that they have not known I will guide them." (42:16; emphases added) "... He who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them." (49:10; emphases added). "... YHWH will guide you continually," (58:11; emphasis added). The promise of guidance.
And, lest any should be thinking that such guidance only applies to the Children of Israel, God's guidance is also promised in the pages of the New Testament.
The apostle John, recording Jesus' last discourse with His disciples before He was crucified, writes these words of the Master:
"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth;", (16:13; emphasis added). The promise of guidance.
Paul, writing to the early believers in Corinth, is able to proclaim:
"... thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph," (II Cor.2:14; emphasis added). The promise of guidance.
But perhaps the greatest promise of all, is what is referred to as "The Great Commission", given by the Lord Jesus, just before He ascended to the Father:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matt.28:18-20; emphasis added).
And, of course, because these are the promises of Almighty God, we may depend upon them. They become, indeed, not merely promises (that may be broken!), but assurances! Wasn't it Albert Schweitzer who once remarked that if Jesus Christ was the Gentleman he believed Him to be, then he ought to be able to take Him at His word!? Jesus is, of course, much more than a "Gentleman"!
The promise of guidance - implicit, and explicit throughout God's own Word. But we must not forget that these promises are made to those who are, indeed, His people. Does that include you? I hope so - and I hope that you will read the next part of this little series on "Guidance".
Until next time.
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