Monday, September
18, 2023
Ps 23:1-4
23 The
Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh
me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He
restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Everything
was going well through the first three verses of Psalm 23.
The Shepherd was a good shepherd. The sheep felt no need that was not supplied.
The pastures were green, and the water was still and cool. Contentment prevailed
so why would anyone leave this place to pass through the dark valley?
Suddenly
the sheep are led through a valley but not
just any valley. This is the dreaded shadow of death. Verse 4 is the central verse
in this entire chapter. The focus changes
here! Suddenly the shepherd is not “before” the sheep but “beside”
the sheep. He has drawn closer to give clear guidance and to calm fears. You can
hear Him whisper “we are no longer in the pasture, but it will be alright. I am
here with you. Do not be afraid.”
Two
instruments are applied in the dark valley. The
rod is a heavy club with which the Shepherd can stun or kill an attacking beast.
The very sight of it causes the sheep to take courage. Nothing shall
attack unless it first defeats the Shepherd! The staff was the
Shepherd’s crook which would prod and assist the individual sheep. At night the
sheep would pass beneath the rod and be counted and examined. The sheep knew
that to be counted meant that he was valuable to the Shepherd. The Shepherd would
not allow the sheep to be lost.
Today
you may be asked to walk through the “vale of deep darkness.”
You may learn of some fearful illness in your body, or you may be challenged
with a circumstance where winning is not guaranteed. The Shepherd is there. Huddle
close to him and feel the folds of His robe as you walk along. Keep moving because there is an end to this valley. Yes, it is dark,
but the Shepherd knows the way and will not let you be lost or suffer damage.
Verses 5 and 6 take place on the other
side of the valley!
Ps 23:5-6
5 Thou preparest
a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with
oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the house of the Lord for ever.
Dear
Shepherd of the sheep, today you may lead some through the valley. Keep them
safe by rod and staff. AMEN
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