3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
Righteousness for his name’s sake.
The sheep knew the voice of their shepherd and they followed him without question, although they sometimes lost their way. Sheep have a tendency to stray more than other animals. The shepherd would prod them back to safety with his rod and staff. (See lost sheep, Lu 15:1-7) When we sin and stray from the direction of our Good Shepherd, he refreshes and replenishes our souls when we repent. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we rest in the care of our Good Shepherd, our souls are restored.
God loves us, so his direction and leading in righteousness is the result of his undying love. We are led in the paths of righteousness when we accept Jesus as Savior. There is no other way Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” Jesus led his sheep when he was here on the earth and when he ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to direct our path. When we obey and give the Holy Spirit full reign in our lives–when we honor and respect the Name of the Lord, it is accounted for (righteousness for his (Jesus’) name’s sake.)
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