Psalms 23: 3b,4 states:
He leadeth me in the paths of rightousness, for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Today my study led me to reflect on and visualize this scripture. In my mind's eye I saw a shepherd before all of his sheep guiding them safely through a path. A path, that even though there is the 'shadow of death' which can be interpreted to mean extreme distress, danger and even death- there...is...NO...fear. Wow how defining that is for me!
All my life I have said and read this scripture and only thought that it meant a 'shadow' of death not really death! How silly of me to even think that...but I did! Nevertheless, even when my "path" will lead to death, even there, I will [should not under any circumstances] fear no evil: for thou [He] is with me;'. Today, I fully received this promise in my spirit. A promise, which for many years I have known and believed, but today, I received! Such a Word to assure my faith! A word from God that helps me to know that along the path of life and even death, the paths of Christians lead only to 'righteousness' which is interpreted as victory, prosperity, deliverance both in this life AND beyond!
Death to many is a scary thought--even many Christians. As Christians we do believe that when we die we will go to heaven to be with the Lord, but some do not even entertain discussing the "what-ifs" in life or how we are prepared and/or confident about our life after death.
In following The Leader, this passage assures us that we can have peace of mind knowing that not at one point will Christ leave you! He's with you! He is with us as we walk through the valley; He is with us through distress and extreme danger; and, He is with us all the way through death. Hallelujah! Friends, there is no need to fear! However life leads us Jesus...IS...OUR SHEPHERD. He only leads our lives to victory--in this life and beyond. It is a win/win for believers!
As I conclude today's post, I remind you of my previous post, that identified our role (mankind's role) as sheep in this life. Having the instinct of sheep we are trained from birth to follow a leader or to have a need to be led. That leader can be good or bad. As scripture has outlined, there are both bad and good leaders. Bad ones will lead to our death and destruction--both on this earth and beyond. The GOOD Shepherd (of which there is only one- Jesus Christ), will lead to life on this earth and beyond. I plead with you to choose the Good Shepherd today. Even the distresses of current life are bearable knowing He is with you. Furthermore, when death raises its head to carry each of us from this life, IN HIM, we can know that the GOOD Shepherd leads us to a victorious life in the hereafter.
My Prayer today: Father, I pray for every soul today--both believers in you and non-believers. I pray that each will choose to fully trust you as Lord, Savior, Good Shepherd, and Redeemer. Help us all to realize that when we choose you, you are present with us through this life and beyond--with our life in the hereafter being with you--forever, in heaven above! Help us to know that the words of your Bible are true and you cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). For you have promised to be with us, and... YOU WILL! You are a good God and furthermore a Great God. Your name is to be praised forever as we trust you to lead our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
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