September 21, 2005
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names’ sake (Psalm 23:3).
I heard about the expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions in the Antarctic summer of 1908-1909. They set off from their winter headquarters on four horses with a heavy load attempting to travel to the South Pole.
It was only a couple of weeks later and their horses had died, all their rations were exhausted, and they turned back toward their base without completing their goal. Shackleton recorded in The Heart of the Antarctic that they journeyed 127 days altogether. And during their trek, they spent the entire time talking about food—elaborate feasts, gourmet delights, and extravagant menus.
As they staggered along, suffering from dysentery and not knowing whether or not they would survive, the travelers filled every waking moment with thoughts of food. Jesus also knew the ravages of food deprivation and said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
Sheckleton’s obsession with food offers a glimpse into the kind of passion Jesus wants us to have for righteousness. Perhaps you’ve walked down the wrong path in life, and as a result you’re confused, lonely, empty, and lost. You can know the Lord today by asking Him to forgive you of your sins, to come live in your heart and life, and to walk with you daily from this day forward.
If you know Christ, then you have a gentle Shepherd who can guide you back to the right path and lead you in the direction you need to go. Even if the path seems rough, when we are following the Lord, it is the right one. Today, ask the Lord to show you the way toward living the righteous life with passion.
ONLY CHRIST CAN LEAD THE WAY TO THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.