HAPPY PATHS FOR THE CHILDREN

Just as there are safe and also dangerous paths for us to walk along in town and country, so is it with our minds and our souls. Scripture speaks of "the right paths of the Lord", so that in following Him there is much for our enjoyment. One of these paths would take your mind's eye to see a bramble bush in flames but not burned up; another would show you thousands of people going dryshod through the Red Sea; yet another would lead you to see a brass serpent lifted up on a pole. God was here on earth in the Person of Jesus and His presence did not bring final judgment, but grace; the Red Sea was dried up just enough for God's people to be redeemed from their enemies, while the brazen serpent is a type of Jesus crucified, being salvation to all who look to Him.

Another way is a well-trodden one, as the scripture reads "Ask for the ancient paths, which is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest to your souls". One of these old paths is the way of the fear of God – not to be afraid of Him, but to desire each day to do His will, then "the fear of God shall be your treasure". I expect that you have learned the Shepherd Psalm where there is comfort in treading the paths of righteousness. Isaiah wrote that, "a highway shall be there and a way, and it shall be called, The way of holiness" and the obedient believer, having the Holy Spirit, is set apart for God's pleasure, and is himself – or herself – a signpost to all on life's highway.

Sadly, "there is a way that seemeth right..., but the end thereof is the ways of death". This way is called 'self will' and although it has its apparent attractions, it leads only to regret and bitterness. Happy is the traveller on this road who hears and heeds a warning voice behind him saying of the right path, "this is the way, walk ye in it". On which path are you?

J.C.Evershed