- Path of Life
Psalm 16.11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
This unconditional promise that the Lord will show me the path of life means more than merely point the way; He will put me on the path. Even more, Jesus says that He is the Path; He is also the Life. He who believes in Him is on, or in, the Way to Life and even already has the Life.
For the original Psalm writer, David, the path of life did not immediately mean eternal life and life after death. It is Jesus who further developed the concept of “Life” to mean Eternal Life and that that eternal life is the life of God Himself and it begins right now on this earth, and never ends. Thus “path of life” for the NT believer means eternal life (the true God and Jesus Christ); he who believes “has” eternal life (not “going to have”) right now on earth and will have it forever after earthly life is ended.
David the writer and prophet most likely understood “path of life” to mean the best way to live and enjoy the gift of life on earth to its fullest measure; it meant a rich and full life in constant communion with the living God; it meant God would abundantly grant and provide this quality of life as long as he lives. The path of life is keeping the commandments of the covenant, seeking forgiveness when failing, and having a heart for God at all times. Most people know this path is blessed and the consequences of staying on the path are better, but the fearer of God realizes he cannot do it himself and needs God’s support, teaching and help. God will show him the way.
That this “path” may lead to a blessed life after death, to heaven, does not even come into consideration; an end or goal of the path of life is not even in the picture. Living today, and getting from day to day, with the Lord is the best life. God promises a good life. That that life is eternal and goes on after physical death is coincidental and irrelevant, though true.