Obey and Honor

This week's devotion is authored by Becky Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign

"He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." (Psalm 23:3b, NASB).

Sheep are mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible, and there are approximately 100 verses that show us as sheep. Why? Simply put, “our behavior patterns and life habits are so much like that of a sheep, it is well nigh embarrassing,” as W. Phillip Keller writes in the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.

We are reminded how lost and confused we are in our daily lives when we do not obey and surrender ourselves to be led by our Father. Thankfully, our Good Shepherd does not just send us off in a general direction and hope things go well. He goes ahead of us, guiding each of us along the specific way forward. He alone knows the best choice amongst a number of different paths we face. Are we actively working to remain in a right relationship with Him — living honestly and faithfully according to His law, all the while bringing honor to His name?

Due to our overall corrupt nature, we often desire to go our own way, doing what we want, leading to our own demise — dishonoring God in the process. When it is recognized that we have gone astray, we should feel prompted to urgently seek God’s will so He can get us back on the right path (Proverbs 3:6). However, our status with the Good Shepherd is not based on confessing our sins quickly or thoroughly enough. Consider Martin Luther’s approach to sin. “He hated his sin. In fact, because of his obsession with confession, Luther was deemed crazy” (Martin Luther: His Confessions and Battle Against Sin, by Charles Heck). We too should hate our sin — but we are assured that because of Christ the Savior’s perfect righteousness — given to us freely and permanently — our wrongs are made right so that we can be right in our Father’s eyes.

As we are quickly approaching Holy Week, may we keep our focus on the perfect path of righteousness walked by Christ — the one who faithfully endured inexpressible hardship, pain, and difficulty, so that we too can be attired in a glorious robe of righteousness — while giving Him all the glory!

Chapter 6 • Week of April 13

When have you felt it most difficult to obey God's command, and were you able to honor Him in the process?

As our congregation reads the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" together, we prepare for the coming week's chapter with a Mindful Monday devotion, a "Flock Talk" home discussion question, Sunday morning Foundation Bible study, and Sunday sermon tie-ins, now through May 25.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

LSB Hymn 711, Stanzas 1 and 2

Savior, like a shepherd lead us;

Much we need Your tender care.

In Your pleasant pastures feed us,

For our use Your fold prepare.

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

You have bought us; we are Yours.

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

You have bought us; we are Yours.

We are Yours; in love befriend us,

Be the guardian of our way;

Keep Your flock, from sin defend us,

Seek us when we go astray.

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Hear us children when we pray.

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Hear us children when we pray.

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.