The Valley of the Shadow...the Wayfarer 1/6/16

The Valley of the Shadow
1/6/16

Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The Valley of the Shadow… a valley faced by David many times during his life, certainly only a few of them recorded, as life itself is that very valley!

Each of us must walk through that same valley from the first breath of life, until the last breath that is granted by God.

It is the path taken throughout that walk that determines the dangers faced, each decision made, each choice of the various forks in the road and detours that are taken along the way.

Still, special note should be taken of the availability of the perfect protection from those dangers and detours that is available, held so in prominence throughout this familiar psalm.

David recognized that the valley can easily be traversed without fear when led on the correct and proper path that is intended to be followed… He chose his shepherd carefully and was more than content to praise that shepherd’s ability to provide for every need along that path.

He recognized the intent of that Shepherd, Creator, to provide only pleasant and sustaining means of traversing that valley.

He recognized the restoring quality of that Shepherd that strengthened him throughout that journey when he would be depleted if on his own instead of being led by that caring hand that steered his path through it.

There could be no fear, with the security of the knowledge that that caring hand that led him was also capable of protecting him from any possible danger that could be faced.

That rod and staff, used in correction of the direction of that journey, were fully capable of being used also for that protection when required, both guide in steering him and weapon to defend him.

The praise for all that was given, the thankfulness for what was both promised and given were enough to keep him in step with that shepherd, not only during his time walking the dangerous, treacherous trail that he had to take through that valley… but for eternity as well.

Ecclesiastes 12King James Version (KJV) 12 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. 9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Solomon, son of that psalmist and king also recognized the power and ability of the Shepherd referenced by his father. His dissertation given throughout the book of Ecclesiates gives more guidance through that treacherous valley, this final chapter summing up the wisdom he found through that same Shepherd for his own journey. They both gave us these words in anticipation of the journey made by each of us, with the hand of that Shepherd directing the pen that penned them. He also spoke directly of the fact that what is given, taken and what path is used while in that valley is only temporary, and far less important that what is to be reached at the end of that journey, in the long home…eternity… that awaits each of us. My love for his instruction that is given in this book is of no surprise to any that knows me, and worthy of being heard and followed by all… after all, they too came from that same caring and loving Shepherd, and have proven themselves to be true throughout the centuries after being given to us. Solomon’s admonishments, however, were in and of themselves inadequate to the task of preparation for the journey taken by all, and have not been followed by all, just as the laws of Moses were inadequate in and of themselves, the sacrifices allowed for inadequate because of the unwillingness to follow the Shepherd that also gave them to us as well. The promise given, both in the psalm and in the guidance given by Solomon required something more before it could be completed and come to fruition in perfection. That something was no less than the birth, life, sacrificial crucifixion and death, and most important of all, the resurrection of Christ Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, that Word that was spoken by the Creator in the beginning, that Word that came to us in the flesh to assure that the path was made clearer, safer, and perfectly lit despite the shadows that cover that valley until it is traversed. Culmination of the Light given us came through Him, and still lights the path through that valley for any and all willing to follow that Shepherd, that not only carries that light for us but remains that light itself as well. Matthew 28King James Version (KJV) 28 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. That light could not be extinguished, and cannot be extinguished despite the attempts to do so both then and now! That Shepherd not only echoed the promise penned by David and Solomon, but IS that promise, And is still available today, more easily obtained, and available to All who would accept Him. His words, recorded in the scriptures, give final and far superior guidance to those predecessors who came in imperfection, incapable of attaining that necessary perfection until the delivery of the promise that had been made them. Yet and still the promise is neglected and ignored by far too many, and unfortunately unrecognized as yet by those who fail to understand that the Valley of the Shadow is only temporary, and must be traversed enroute to the eternal. BE NOT AFRAID! These words echo just as loudly now as then, holding the same TRUTH as then, lighting the same WAY as then, and providing the same LIFE as then, not only more abundant as was promised… BUT ETERNAL! David had to recognize the need to follow that Shepherd and lay claim to ownership by that Shepherd. Solomon Had to recognize the vanity of all the pale and paltry diversions that consume the attention of men while traversing that temporary valley. Each of them recognized accepted and reacted to that need, both comprehending that ALL power lay, not in themselves, but in that Shepherd. So too must each individual traversing this Valley of the Shadow that is temporary recognize that at the end of that journey that shadow must dissipate or become eternal for those failing to find the Light given through Christ Jesus. NONE knows the length of that valley being traversed, except the Shepherd Himself. None can willingly choose to walk away from that light provided and expect to find light in any direction chosen for travel except that provided by that Shepherd. If the rod and staff are ignored when applied, instead of recognizing the direction given by them, that light will eventually become unavailable to be found by them. Eyes to see that light, ears to hear the Voice of that Shepherd are required and must be used while in the valley if the journey is to be completed with him.    Colossians 2King James Version (KJV) 2 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh Paul reminded us in all of the epistles written of the dangers that are faced as that valley is traversed. He too warned of the deceptiveness of the shadows which would and do envelop any and all failing to see and follow the Light that is given by that Shepherd David spoke of without having even seen Him. The need to seek the provisions provided by that Shepherd are referenced throughout his writings, as are the warnings of the dangers to those who refuse the sustenance both promised and given by Christ alone. The cry went out, and continues to pay close attention and follow the only Shepherd capable of getting you through that valley being travelled. Hebrews 8King James Version (KJV) 8 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. A new covenant has been given through that Shepherd, a far easier path to follow given, a brightly lit path for those choosing it. No longer is the old way acceptable as it was being practiced, and twisted by those who came before the delivery of that promise. That Promise fulfilled, but did not negate the requirements of that previous covenant that proved so inadequate… not because of God…Who kept his end of the bargain… but by those to whom that covenant was given. That new covenant still comes with the requirement of its acceptance, and the acceptance of the terms given by its INITIATOR! “Repent  for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” The time for the conclusion of the journey through that valley is short, whether for individual or for nation, or for world, as the time given for that journey is decided only by that Shepherd who retains all power in heaven and in earth, who cares enough to both grant that time and give the warning through the use of that rod and staff intended to direct the passage through the Valley, soon to give way to the Light at its end. Revelation 3King James Version (KJV) 3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The time has come to use the eyes and ears given, to reach those reachable and teach those teachable, to follow the direction of that ROD and STAFF and assure that the shadows are neither feared or too loved. The time has come to return to the Light and to bring as many as you can with you, as their journey is also through that same valley, fraught with the same dangers, yet with the same available protection from that same Shepherd if and only if sought. Reminder must be given of what lies at the end of that valley, what is to be found there, and what will be missed by those who see only the valley itself instead of following the Shepherd to the end of the journey by acceptance of the love and light offered only by Him. Revelation 22King James Version (KJV) 22 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Choose to follow the Shepherd, and accept his terms… or choose to continue to follow the paths of  the ones who would keep you in the shadows eternally,  it is after all your journey, and your destination that is being chosen. Be aware of what is being chosen! Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus! 2 Timothy 1:12 King James Version (KJV) 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Amen and Amen the Wayfarer