TOPIC: SHADOW OF DEATH
Read: Psalms 23:1-6
MEMORISE: Yea, 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 (Psalms 23:4)
EXPOSITION
According to an old fable, a man made an unusual agreement with death. He told the Grim Reaper that he would willingly accompany him when it was time to die, but only on one condition: that death would send a messenger well in advance to warn him. Weeks winged away into months, and months into years. Then one bitter winter evening, as the man sat thinking about all his possessions, Death suddenly entered the room and tapped him on the shoulder. Startled, the man cried out, “You’re here so soon and without warning! I thought we had an agreement.” Death replied,
“I’ve more than kept my part. I’ve sent you many messengers. Look in the mirror and you’ll see some of them.” As the man complied, Death whispered, “Notice your hair! Once it was full and black, now it is thin and white. Look at the way you cock your head to listen to me because you can’t hear very well. Observe how close to the mirror you must stand to see yourself clearly. Yes, I’ve sent many messengers through the years. I’m sorry you’re not ready, but the time has come to leave.”
Everyone walks through life in the long shadow of death. Death, for the dying, can be a shadow of discomfort, discouragement, and even despair. It is in death-valley that faith is tested, families are stressed and brought together (2 Sam. 1:23a), and friends rally in prayer. The valley of the shadow of death is God’s reminder that we need Him, and one another. We all walk toward death, but in Christ, it is a passage to eternal life. Never walk this world alone without God’s presence. Hope, peace and love are an outflow of walking with Jesus through this world’s lonely valley of death. God is all that you need to walk through and gain eternal life.
PRAYER POINTS
1. I covet divine presence and company throughout my lifetime, in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord, as I walk through the thick and thin of this life, help me to always have the end in focus, so that I don’t lose the eternal bliss with You.
3. Lord, drop more of Heaven in the heart of our church leaders to moderate all our activities and outreaches in the Body, unto Your immediate and ultimate glory.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Job 9:14 – 11:19; Acts 20:29 – 21:12
