In this fourth message of our series on Psalm 23, we consider the way that the Shepherd cares for us when we are in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Whether we face physical or spiritual death or hardship, in Christ we need not fear. With His rod and staff, the Shepherd provides for our comfort.
We would like to thank Grace School of Theology, in partnership with Yellow Balloons and El Centro Network, for providing this devotional plan.
Day 1
Scriptures: Psalms 23:4, 2 Samuel 11:1-11, Romans 6:23, Isaiah 43:2-3, Matthew 28:20, John 14:1-4, Romans 8:1, Hebrews 12:11
Valley of the Shadow of Death
David writes, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” This phrase can bring three things to mind. First, physical death. From the moment we’re born, we live knowing we will eventually die. Our lives are fleeting. David, hiding in a cave in the wilderness, is well aware of the possibility of physical death. As the commander of an army, he’d faced death on numerous occasions. At any moment, Absalom or his troops could find and kill him.
The valley of the shadow of death may also refer to times when life is hard, when we experience pain, grief, loss, and suffering. David frequently experienced these. We can’t see a way out; it feels like we’re walking in deep darkness; we’re overwhelmed; it is so difficult to get through the day that it feels like death itself.
A third possibility is spiritual death. Sin separates us from God. David certainly would have known this. He misused his power as king to bed Bathsheba, tried to deceive her husband when she became pregnant, and then sent him to the battle front so he would be killed. Death is what comes from sin.
We all go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. We all experience physical death, dark times, or spiritual death. How do we respond to these things? David writes. “I will fear no evil.”
If you’re afraid of dying, of the finality of it all, Jesus said He is preparing a place for us; do we believe Him? Death is not the end. Here we are anchored to the hardships and heartaches of life, but in death the gangway is raised, the anchor is put away, and we set sail for another shore. If you are afraid because of sin, if you fear judgment, know that when we disobey, God intervenes to correct us. It’s not in anger, or with a desire to get even with us, but out of deep concern and interest for our spiritual development.
David can say he won’t fear because he knows the great Shepherd, the one who can lead us through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Entrust yourself to the Shepherd’s care.
Day 2
Scriptures: Psalms 23:4, Isaiah 43:2-3, Matthew 28:20, Psalms 116:15
For You Are with Me
With the Valley of the Shadow of Death, David could be referring to physical death, “We all die, but I won’t fear that valley because God will be with me.”
About two years ago, I had been serving as hospital chaplain. There’s no greater privilege than being with someone when they go from this life to the next. The closer you get to death, the more God begins to peel away this life. He begins to show us reality of the next life, the reality of life with Him.
My wife’s stepfather had battled cancer for a number of years. It was his last time in the hospital; we knew the end was coming. He’d been moaning in intense pain for hours. Suddenly, he sat up bolt upright in bed and said, “Jehovah!” All the people in the room knew exactly what was going on. My father-in-law had just gotten a glimpse of the Lord. It was an amazing sight to see.
My own dad’s passing was six or seven years ago. He had skin cancer, and it had begun to metastasize into his lungs and into his brain. My dad was one of those gregarious guys who want to make sure everybody is well taken care of. We were with him from Thursday to Sunday, thinking this was the last time we would see him. We got a call that night and my dad had rallied. He was telling stories and jokes as only he could. But when Monday came, he lapsed; Tuesday morning, he went into a coma. We were at his bedside as each pause before his next breath got longer and longer. Finally, he breathed his last. There was absolute silence. My mom was still holding his hand. He had not moved for 36 hours, but 20 seconds later, he broke free of my mother’s hand. His hands came together on his chest. It was a posture of prayer. We had just witnessed my father’s first act of worship as he came before the Lord.
I am convinced that there is life after death. There is life with the King. David knows this. In the Valley of the Shadow of Death he says, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”
Day 3
Scriptures: Psalms 23:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 14:26
Your Rod and Staff Comfort Me
A rod was a small club that a shepherd would put on his belt. It had a little nub on the end of it. If a wolf or another predator came at them, the shepherd would swing that rod to fend them off. The rod was also used for discipline. If a sheep began to wander off, a shepherd would toss the rod so it would land right in front of the sheep, so as to stop it and turn it back in the other direction. The third way the shepherd used his rod was to count the sheep as they came through the gate, running the rod over their backs, checking them to make sure everything was okay. So, it was a symbol of authority, protection, and comfort for the sheep. They knew that when they passed under the rod, they’d been counted and checked out, and everything was good. That’s what the rod does for us, too. The rod is like the Scriptures, which were given to us for reproof, for correction, and for instruction.
The other instrument shepherds used was a staff. The staff was longer than the club; it was usually about six or seven feet long, with a hook at the end. With the staff, shepherds could pick up the lambs and bring them over to the ewe, to nurse. Using the hook enabled them to move the lambs without putting their hands on them; else a ewe might refuse to nurse a lamb. The second thing shepherds do with a staff is pick up the sheep and bring them close. Thus, there was this level of intimacy that came by way of the staff. Third, it would be used to gently get sheep to turn one way or another, especially if they were coming into the sheep gate. A shepherd would use the staff while walking alongside a sheep to just touch their side to remind them he was there. The staff was like the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised would guide us and remind us of what He taught.
The rod symbolizes the Scriptures; the staff, the Holy Spirit in our lives, who stands alongside us for counsel, strength, and comfort. The Holy Spirit gives us the assurance that we are one with Christ and that we belong to Him. That is how you can begin to understand why David could say, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” They provide protection, comfort, intimate relationship. These tools of the Shepherd are intended to bring the sheep to Him.