29/06/2019
Every Fear Banished.
The Lord's sheep is now taken into new experiences. Having been made
"to lie down in pastures of tender grass," and been led "in paths of
righteousness," he is now led into the "valley of the shadow of death." The
word translated "shadow of death" is of frequent occurrence in the Old
Testament to express the deepest darkness. The Psalmist has not merely the
experience of literal death in mind, but all experiences when the darkness is
thick and profound.
In this dark valley Jehovah's sheep have no fears. "I will fear no evil." A
true trust in God banishes all fear, under all circumstances, for all time.
Isaiah 12:2 26:3; Psalm 3:5-6; Psalm 27:-13; Psalm 46:1-3; 118:6; Isaiah
41:10,13; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:28,31-32, 34, etc.
The reason the Psalmist gives why he will not fear, "for thou art with me."
Not because there is no danger there. But because there is One mightier with
us than any possible enemy. Isaiah 43:2; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 13:5.
"Thou art with me." What difference does it make whether it is the
pastures of tender grass or the valley of the shadow of death, if He is there?
"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The rod and staff are the
Shepherd's implements for quieting and guarding the sheep. The word
translated rod means most frequently in the Bible usage, "a rod of
correction." Our Shepherd's correction is most comforting to us. Then it
means "a sceptre," and nothing is more comforting to a Christian than
Christ's sceptre, and every true Christian is longing for the day when it shall
sway throughout the earth. Then it means a shepherd's crook, which is
doubtless the meaning here. Both the crook and staff with which Christ
guides His sheep and wards off the enemy, the Word of God. Nothing
comforts the Lord's sheep like the Word. Romans 15:4.
Welcome to our service tomorrow
Next to East Africa School of Aviation behind Kabansora millers.
