Psalm 23:6
In the concluding remarks in what is called David's best known Psalm, he states, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever", Psalm 23:6. He began the Psalm with the words, "The Lord is my shepherd." And although he says much between those statements, the fact that he shall dwell in the house of the Lord is the glorious climax of the truth that the Lord is his Shepherd. Until he arrives in that glory of God's house, he will need food and protection, for he does live in the valley where the shadow of death is cast; but in that house are all the blessings that make his cup overflow. There he no longer is surrounded by enemies but he is with God in the most intimate way that the creature can enjoy His covenant fellowship.
And the expression, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life," explains why David is so sure that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. We, therefore, do well to pay attention to those words of David. For we do not deserve to live in that house. It is only because of the goodness and mercy of God that in His Son He cares for us in this life and makes sure that we arrive in His house.
That those follow us means that they are behind us and beneath us to push us and lift us up to that house consistently. It is God's good and merciful hand that will not let us slide back into Satan's clutches and lifts us out of this vale of tears and sorrows. And that hand of God is His Son in our flesh.
How beautifully stated is this truth in the versification (PRC Psalter):
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God's house forevermore
My dwelling-place shall be.
Can you unequivocally say that? Can you say ''Surely,'' not, ''Maybe''? ''Surely,'' not, ''I hope so''? ''Surely, all the days of my life that goodness and mercy will be there.''
If you cannot say that at the moment, go to the cross of Christ where God's goodness and mercy are so clearly and powerfully displayed. His enemies lifted Him to His cross; but by it He lifted us to heavenly glory.
Read: John 14
Psalter versification: #53:5
Daily Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter #32
Why not sing along??
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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Genesis 48; Genesis 49:1-33
Matthew 15:29-39; Matthew 16:1-12
Psalm 20:1-9
Proverbs 4:20-27
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Quote for Reflection:
“If there is anything sure in my life, it is that Jesus is risen from the dead, and that I shall rise from the dead. The grave, indeed, has lost its victory. I can look on the grave, see myself lowered into it, and…smile.” --Gerrit Vos
Additional Info
- Date: 24-January
Heys, John A.
Rev. John A. Heys was born on March 16, 1910 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was ordained and installed into the ministry at Hope, Walker, MI in 1941. He later served at Hull, Iowa beginning in 1955. In 1959 he accepted the call to serve the South Holland, IL Protestant Reformed Church. He received and accepted the call to Holland, Michigan Protestant Reformed Church in 1967. He retired from the active ministry in 1980. He entered into glory on February 16, 1998.