【双语灵修】公义的羊

诗篇 23:3

他使我的灵魂苏醒，为自己的名引导我走义路。

7月9日

公义的羊

“〔他〕引导我走义路。” -诗 23:3

牧者的主要目标是看顾羊群的心灵。当我们匆忙奔跑，以难以持续的步伐生活时，我们的心灵会受到损害。当我们尝试策划自己的道路时，往往会误判哪一条是最佳的前路，因为我们要么没有耐性等待好事发生，要么害怕它们根本不会实现。诗篇的作者相信，牧者正在引领他走在正确的道路上，而这些道路将会通向丰盛的生命。

有些《圣经》版本称这些道路为义路，指这些道路是尊崇牧者的道路。牧者的道路是高尚、纯洁，并且合乎道德标准，反映出牧者所带领的羊群拥有的品格。对羊群来说，跟从正确的道路是最好的选择，因为这样做能够帮助其他人也找到正确的道路，并走在主的道路上。

我可以想象到诗篇的作者正在默想那些总结于十诫的律法，并视之为最理想的生活楷模，因为它引领人走向丰盛、与神同在的生命。爱神和爱邻舍就是最理想的生活方式，藉此我们便能与神和祂的创造（包括所有的受造物）建立平安（shalom）。顺服主、尊敬我们的父母和所爱的人、关怀别人及他们的福祉――这一切都引领我们遵行永生神的道路，并为我们带来了平安。

今天，你正被引领往何方呢？

祷告

主啊，求祢帮助我们看见那些承诺会带来理想生活的虚空应许，并非从祢而来。求祢引导我们回到祢的道路上，使我们得着与祢同在的生命。阿们。

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

RIGHTEOUS SHEEP

He guides me along the right paths. . . . —Psalm 23:3

The shepherd’s main goal for his sheep is soul care. Our souls suffer when we are running quickly and taking life at a pace that is unsustainable. When we try to chart our own course, we often misjudge the best way forward because we are either impatient for good things to happen or scared that they won’t. The psalm writer trusts that the shepherd is guiding him along the right paths and that these paths will lead to flourishing.

In some Bible versions these are called paths of righteousness, and that means these pathways honor the shepherd. The way of the shepherd is noble, pure, and ethical, reflecting the very character with which he leads the sheep. Following the right pathways is the best way for the sheep to go because that helps others find and walk in the way of the Lord as well.

I can picture the psalm writer reflecting on God’s law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, as the best way to live because it leads to flourishing, full life with God. Loving God and our neighbor is the best way to live, creating shalom (peace) with God and his creation, including all of his creatures. Obeying the Lord, honoring our parents and loved ones, and caring for others and their well-being—all these things lead to living God’s way and bringing peace.

Where are you being led today?

Lord, help us to see that empty promises for a better life do not come from you. Redirect us to your path, which leads to life with you. Amen.