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Psalm 23:4 - I Will Fear No Evil; For Thou Art With Me.Psalm 23:4 (KJV) 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.WORD STUDY His Word And Spirit Shall Comfort Them - His Rod And Staff... he will guide them with his rod and sustain them with his staff. The gospel is called the rod of Christ's strength <Ps. 110:2> (Matthew Henry's Commentary) INTRODUCTION God alone can lead us through death to eternal life. Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side - the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL I sat across the table from my dear friend and reached for her hand as she searched for words that wouldn't come. Her eyes revealed the sorrow trapped inside. When the waitress brought our meal, we prayed and made an effort to eat. But food was the last reason we'd met that day. A week earlier, my companion had lost her mother following a brief illness, and her pain burned deep and raw. She hungered to be comforted and understood. At home, I'd prayed to Jesus to give me the words to soothe her, and He provided. Our time together spread from one hour to the next. Conversation moved from precious memories of a woman's life well-lived to tears and finally to laughter. Thoughts of the future braided through our talk like a golden thread of hope. When we parted that afternoon, a sense of calm filled both our hearts. I was honored to walk beside my friend for even a few steps as she travels the valley of the shadow of death. Like so many of us, it's a place I'm familiar with. It can seem a lonely, soul-searching hike and difficult to find your footing. What a great relief it is to know Jesus walks with us, guiding and protecting us with His rod and staff. And what a blessing when we find friends willing to walk alongside. Heidi Gaul Faith Step: Bless a friend walking that lonesome valley with a card, a visit, or a phone call. Join Jesus as He walks alongside her. [Mornings With Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] COMMENTARY In the Face of Death Forerunners of the Protestant Reformation, Bohemians John Huss and Jerome were tried and found to be heretics by the Catholic Church, condemned for their bold preaching of Bible truth. Historian John Wylie described their execution via burning at the stake by, interestingly, quoting a historian-turned-pope: "Both ... bore themselves with constant mind when their last hour approached. ... They uttered no cry of pain. When the flames rose, they began to sing hymns; and scarce could the vehemency of the fire stop their singing?" How is that possible in the face of such a death? Only with God is it possible. God's comfort gave these martyrs the ability to praise and thank Him even in death. Are you walking in the valleys and shadows? Today's Bible promise is for you. God has not abandoned you. A shepherd's "rod" was often used to fend off threats to the sheep. As for a shepherd's "staff," the original Hebrew word means "support?" God is the shield behind which you harbor and the cornerstone on which you lean - even near death. What kind of protection, you might be thinking, results in loss of life? Though death may claim us in this life, if your faith endures to the end, God promises to protect you from the ultimate evil in which Satan is working to entrap us all - eternal death. You have nothing to fear if you die in Christ. Lord, thank You for being with me even in the face of death and for Your promise to raise me up on the last day. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Psalm 23:4 - I Will Fear No Evil; For Thou Art With Me. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201012-1026.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200425-0903.html Psalm 23:4 - Thy Rod And Thy Staff They Comfort Me. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200426-0914.html Isaiah 43:2 - Help In Troubled Times. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220128-0840.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |