The Shadow Of Death
The Shadow Of Death
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. –Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse was one of America’s great preachers. His first wife died from cancer when she was in her thirties, leaving behind three children under the age of twelve. Dr. Barnhouse was driving home from the funeral service with his children when a huge truck stopped next to them at a traffic light, blocking the sunlight and covering the car with its shadow. He turned to his children and said, “Death is like that. It blocks the sunshine, but the sun is still shining.”
The difference between walking into death and walking in the shadow of death is the difference between finality and a new beginning forever. It is the difference between nothingness and fullness of joy and life. It is the difference between destruction and re-creation for the future. It is ultimately the difference between the darkness of eternal separation from God and the blazing glory of everlasting enjoyment of his presence.
There is no doubt that a shadow is a dark place to be. But when the Lord is our shepherd, we no longer have to fear the dark places that death takes us. In the shadows we reach out to find him beside us, and the fear of the unknown fades. When he gently uses his rod of correction to prod us in the right direction and his staff of compassion to draw us close, we find comfort.
When we are in the fold of God, death is impotent to destroy us. It is depleted of its evil power. The valley where we encounter death is transformed into a place of peaceful comfort; it is in this valley that we are more aware of God’s presence than ever before.
My Shepherd, the darkness of the shadow of death has swept over me and at times it feels as if it will crush me. But it is just a shadow because you have taken away its power to destroy me. Walk with me and comfort me in the darkness, and I will not have to be afraid.
DIGGING DEEPER
Recognizing that the prophecies for Israel include those of us who have been grafted in through Christ, what does Isaiah 9:2-5 tell us about our future? What or who is the light? What chains bind us, and what whips scourge us?
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