Page 32 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson

SESSION 1 : Who is This Shepherd-King?

said it like this: ‘To restore—you have to bring it back to what it was

before. One of the things happening now is the empowering of
believers. Churches are being set up in homes and being tenderised to

become more malleable in His hands.’

Whenever the word ‘power’ is used, people tend to think it is only

referring to mighty signs, wonders, and miracles, but in this context,

that is not the case. This empowerment that is taking place is the
shaping and forming of character, so that Jesus may be accurately

represented to the world through His people.

The final part of verse 3 says: “He leads me in right paths for his

name’s sake.” Again, many commentators quite rightly point out that

the Lord equips us to keep on the straight and narrow path so that the
greatness of His name is upheld. Although this is, of course, correct, it

is by no means the whole story.

Firstly, our God does not need to defend His name — the reason He

leads us in the right paths is because He is the Good Shepherd, whose

name is Love and Salvation. He does not want us to veer off in
directions that will harm us because He cares deeply for each one of us

and is always concerned about our well-being.

Notice also that He leads. He does not coerce, manipulate, force, or

drive us. He invites us to trust and obey because He is good and faithful
and knows the right path for each one of us.

18