Psalm 25:1-11
With
the drive to invent and perfect self-driving cars and the rise of robots in
some parts of the world, Japan in particular, there are some who see humans on
the verge of being taken over by robots. They will replace and have replaced
some factory workers. No union negotiations needed! They have replaced
information booth people and concierge services with a computer kiosk. Google
has taken over the reference librarian’s job. Physical maps are almost a thing
of the past, so there go those jobs.
The
one thing about the self-driving cars that we need to know is that they are
constantly collecting data from the outside world in order to do their job.
They are connected to satellites to know exactly where they are on the road.
They collect distance data from all the other objects around them so that they
don’t bump into other cars and people. When traffic slows, they slow. They may
be self-driving, but they certainly aren’t independent. They need input and
lots of it.
Our
writer tells us about his sources of input. He lets us in on where he finds
direction and wisdom to navigate his world. And that source is the LORD. And
that navigation starts with plugging into Him. Putting our trust in Him is the
orienting anchor. The LORD acts like the navigational GPS; our connection to
Him keeps us moving in the right direction. Without trust, we will keep
grabbing the wheel and overriding His will for our lives. We have to let go and
trust that He knows what He is doing, that He has the best in store for us,
that things are not out of His control. We must trust that shame is not coming
our way if we follow Him. Shame is a very powerful motivation to avoid things.
Shame can paralyze us. With Him, there is no shame in our future.
Our
writer then asks for specific instructions, specific input from the LORD for
his journey. He needs his map updated. He wants to have the LORD teach him the
paths of life, to guide and direct. This is not a onetime event. This is
constant, interactive and engaging communication.
Can
you imagine if your GPS voice caught an attitude when you didn’t follow its
directions? You miss a few times and then it starts to call you names and
insulting your intelligence. The more you ignore it, the worse it gets. It
wouldn’t be long before it would be pitched out the window.
Our
writer wants the LORD to guide him based on his current relationship with the
LORD and not on his past history. He wants mercy and love rather than what he
deserves. Isn’t that what you want? I like mercy and love!
We
often look on instruction as a negative thing, don’t we? But the LORD’s
character requires instruction. Not only do sinners need instruction, like how
to start a relationship with the LORD, but every person needs to know His way.
Humility is the starting point of all instruction. If we think we know it all,
we certainly don’t think we need anyone telling us anything. Humble people are
ready and willing to accept the influence of others. So knowing that the LORD
is loving and faithful makes it easy to listen to His instruction.
And
humility recognizes the need for forgiveness, not just when we begin our
journey of faith, but as an ongoing process of our faith. Are you ready to take
a course offered by the LORD?