Hunger Free in the Paths of Righteousness

            “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Ps 23:3)

The Lord Jesus is the great Shepherd. He knows those that are his, leads them out to green pastures, and makes them graze and rest there. He restores their souls as He knows their sorrows and wants. He goes before them and leads them in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

            “…For My name shall be great among the nations” says the Lord of hosts (Mal 1:11).

We give honor to our Shepherd by keeping the commandments of the Word and walking in the narrow ways of righteousness. To many of us, the meaning of righteousness is obscure. A short definition of righteousness is to live a holy and upright life in accordance with God’s standard. It is to do what is right in God’s eyes.

The Lord Jesus set many examples in the Bible. The baptism of Jesus was to fulfill all righteousness (Mt 3:15). It shows that we must be baptized to become the children of God. Jesus says, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (Jn 4:34). It gives us the direction and purpose in life. Mt 6:33 reads, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Seeking the kingdom of God involves a continued hungering and thirsting after righteousness. If we follow His examples and words, we shall walk in the paths of righteousness.

The Lord Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). Whenever we partake of the Holy Communion, we remember the love of the Good Shepherd. He died for us, His sheep. Embraced by His love, we are compelled to once again follow His steps in the paths of righteousness.

            “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Mt 5:6)

The Lord is our shepherd. He knows where the green pastures and still waters that will fill and restore us are. When we follow Him closely and obediently, He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. When we partake of Holy Communion, let us remember His sacrificial love and determine to follow and glorify Him.

Questions for Reflection:

Do we remember what determinations we’ve made to the Lord while partaking of Holy Communion? Have we kept our commitments?

Do we seek righteousness in order to find peace and contentment?