Although a shadow is impossible where there is no light, a shadow is always caused by an object that stands between that light and the place where that light would otherwise fall. In Psalm 23:4 David speaks of a huge mountain that exists between us and God, Who is the Light. We are in the valley at the bottom of that mountain. And daily in one way or in another we are reminded of that mountain, for not only do we every day hear of death, but in our bodies we feel or see evidence of coming death. And even as a mountain cannot be moved by man, the awesome reality is that the mountain of our guilt cannot be removed by man and calls for the wrath of God. That mountain is our awesome load of sin!
How wonderful then that God restores our souls so that we do not fear this evil, because we believe that our Good Shepherd paid the price for our sins and has begun in us the work of making us walk in the paths of righteousness. Although we still live in that valley, we are sure that the day will come when we will be before God's face, because all our guilt and all our old man of sin will be taken away, and we will have covenant fellowship with God in Christ Who is the Light of the world.
And though we still see death, which is the shadow this mountain of guilt causes, and will see it all the rest of this life, we can sing:
Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale
Yet will I fear no ill.
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
Now we can see why David declares that God has restored his soul. All fear is dispelled and he can face death with confidence. For in His Son God has come into our flesh, dwelt with us, died for us, arose because He had justified us, and then ascended to heaven to prepare the way for us to come there; returned in the Spirit; and assures us by His Spirit that death will not bring us to the lake of fire but into the light and blessedness of life with God, He is with us in His Spirit and will lead us through death and the grave to life and everlasting blessedness. Let not that shadow of of death frighten you. Look at Him Who became one of us and will never leave or forsake us but bring us through death to glory.
Read: Psalm 27
Psalter versification: 53:3
Devotions on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter number 409
Why not sing along??
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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Genesis 44; Genesis 45:1-28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13
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Quote for Reflection:
… the knowledge of God always involves one thing centrally. It is this: It is not I who know God so much, but it is God who knows me. It is God who has written me upon the palms of His hands. It is God who knows me in eternal grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. If God knows me in His love, and gives me to know Him - that is eternal life. That is the most precious thing a creature could ever know. – Rev. Carl Haak
Additional Info
- Date: 22-January
