Tuesday: Unexpected Detour 1 ~ The Valley
“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” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV).
It would be nice if the paths of righteousness wound their way only along the grass-covered banks of cool streams. But that is not the way David paints it. Also along these paths is the valley of the shadow of death — not a place that we are eager to visit!
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
At certain times of the year, the wadis and ravines found in Israel are prone to flash floods that could come unexpectedly and prove overwhelming. These places are also characteristically narrow, with steep sides that block out the light. Hence, “the shadow of death” is an image for “very deep shadow” or “deep darkness.”
Think about the times you have been in your own “valley of the shadow of death.” What has it been like? Did you have fear, even though you knew that the Shepherd was there? Which Bible verses were most precious to you at that time, and why?
How do you think the sheep ended up in the valley? Do you think the sheep went there on their own, or did the Shepherd lead the sheep that way Himself? Justify your answer.
Elisabeth Elliot writes, “A lamb who found himself in the valley of the shadow of death might conclude that he had been falsely led. It was needful for him to traverse that darkness in order to learn not to fear. The shepherd is still with him.” — Quest for Love (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Books, 1996), p. 218.
| Have you ever felt that you have been “falsely led” into the valley? How did you respond to God during this time? Why do you think the Shepherd might be willing to risk being misunderstood by permitting us to enter a dark valley? |
(24)
The picture of a shepherd gently cradling a cute wooly lamb surrounded by snow-white wooly sheep is not one of the images I associate with my experience with sheep. I do remember though, going out in oilskin raincoats in soaking rain and finding a ewe having trouble lambing. My grandfather would be down on his knees with his arm up the ewe's backside trying to turn the lamb's head around so that it would come out. It was not an easy task and it required strength, an understanding of the anatomy of the ewe, and a lot of persistence. I learned a lot about where baby sheep came from at a very early age.
Like the shepherd, Jesus knows a lot about us, not just our anatomy, but the way we think and respond in difficult situations. Grandad knew his flock well and knew the sorts of trouble they could get into. He went around the flock every day; twice a day in lambing season. His sheep knew and trusted him, even when he had to do painful things to them for their own good.
Jesus described himself as:
Maurice, on a lite note, it seems like you were apparently in the delivery room huh?
More often than I can count, Ronald.
Maurice, If you don't mind, plz explain if you will the backdrop of the valley. In that I mean is this valley an experience, a one time experience, a daily activity, teaching moment?
I think all of us have dark experiences where we find it difficult to see where we are going. For instance, our family is having difficulty with some of our senior members who are finding it difficult to accept they need to go into care. It is causing heartache, frustration, and anxiety. Some days we ask ourselves the question, "How is this all going to end?" And this is happening to people we love and respect.
Maybe the fact that this lesson came up at this time is just for me. I don't have a magic wand to solve the problem, but I know that God is supporting us in this trial.
I went though that valley 2 years ago and still walking through. I asked God to lead and he did. So happy for this weeks lesson
Hi Brother Maurice. I've been where you are now, about 10 years ago, with my sister who suffered from early onset Alzheimer's. She needed round-the-clock care that me and my oldest sister could not provide; so, we had to make the tough decision to place her in an assisted living facility. It's a difficult journey for my sister and I, but we made it through. My Dear sister is at Rest now, she died about 6 years ago. But I still have deep sadness about it all. At those times, I remind myself that God never promise us that we would not be sad, He promised to be "with us".
I'll be praying for you and your family as you make those tough decisions. Sorry for the late note.
God's blessing to you All.
Why do you think the Shepherd might be willing to risk being misunderstood by permitting us to enter a dark valley?
My best answer is Christ will lead us away from temptation, if ask. He does not consent for us to enter the dark valley, infact He warns us of the danger. But if we go, He does not block us, but He does put a stumbling block in our way. Romans 9:33. Which can be our turning point to return to the green pastures and beside the life giving still waters. Psalms 23:2. If we stay there, before you know it He restoreth our soul. Psalms 23:3.
Even though the sheep may suddenly find itself into a dark valley, it has gotten there with its own legs! By distracting itself with some 'luminous' grass, it finally gets very much away from the group!
The only sudden dark valley happens to someone when tragedy strikes! Other than that, it is almost as if the dark valley was expected, due to a certain amount of choices made. Only when the horror of being lost gets into it, the sheep starts to call the sheperd for help! I've been this crazy sheep, wandering around and messing with things that seemmed socially acceptable! But at hitting the bottom, I cried for help from the Lord! And He heard me, and rescued me! That's why I owe Him my life before and now! May His ways be my ways! Because this is so much safer...
Today's lesson asks "How do you think the sheep ended up in the valley? Do you think the sheep went there on their own, or did the Shepherd lead the sheep that way Himself?" Here is my answer and justification.
I find that Psalm 23 tells me that when the Shepherd is leading, it is beside still waters and in paths of righteousness. The Shepherd in these sentences is the subject of the activity. This appears to contrast with when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (also validly translated valley of gloom) where I am the subject of the activity. The reassurance is that the Shepherd is just as much with me during this time - a reflection of His commitment to be with me always, right to the end.
Commentaries are pretty much unanimous that the rod and staff are reflective of guidance for the sheep and protection/defense against that which would harm the sheep. Thus they are not instruments of punishment or discipline used against the sheep.
I believe that in a fallen world, it is inevitable that we will find ourselves walking through he valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes I will find this happening as a result of my own actions, regardless of whether those actions were intentional or unintentional. Other times this will be due to the actions of others, also regardless of whether such was intentional or unintentional, whereby their actions unfortunately adversely impact me. And sometimes this will be because, like Job, we too are 'simply' caught up within a Cosmic Conflict - 'innocent' parties impacted by the fallout of such. Although the Shepherd is with me leading me through that valley, I do not believe the Shepherd led me into that valley. Therefore I do not believe I was "falsely led" regardless of how it came about. However, the Shepherd may not prevent that I end up in that valley because that was the only option available given all of the above factors as to why I might find myself within that valley. The unfortunate reality is that in a sin-infected world, there are often no pain-free options. The necessity of Jesus path of suffering in the course of obtaining our salvation is testament to that.
Phil van der Klift, I very much appreciate your segmenting of the actions of Jesus vs my actions. I'd never seen that before. Too often we are quick to blame God for our calamities, whereas in reality, as you stated it's because of our choices, the actions of others, or "the Cosmic Conflict". We all have the assurance that whatever we encounter regardless of the cause God has provided a way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Thx for this increased understanding of Psalms 23.
Scripture says about death:
Hebrews 9:27 (CSB) And just as it is appointed for people to die once -- and after this, judgment --
We were born to see how we would use our free-will, we will be judged accordingly, for everlasting Life or eternal death, based on the offer, that eternal Life was offered freely from a loving Father, through the one who overcame Satan, Sin and Death on our behalf.
We should not fear death, IF we are in Christ Jesus, and reconciled to God, and ask and allow daily for Christ's Spirit to do his work in us.
Hebrews 2:14-18 (CSB)
14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death -- that is, the devil --
15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.
16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring.
17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Death to self daily in the sanctification process of spiritual growth, and bodily death to a transformed immortal body is a glorious oppurinity and the greatest of ALL GIFTS !
2 Peter 1:3-11 (CSB)
3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
4 By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,
6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,
7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
8 For #if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.#
9 The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble.
11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.
The apostle Peter was not afraid of death:
2 Peter 1:13-14 (CSB)
13 I think it is right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder,
14 since I know that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has indeed made clear to me.
I'm almost 70 in bad health, and I can't wait to die to all sin and entropy !
Blessings in Christ dear ones !
🙏👍
It's in the valley that the refreshing waters flow. It reminds me of the song with the refrain, "In the valley He restoreth my soul." Looking back on my own life, I find that's exactly what happened. Like Del Delker used to sing, "It's the trials that make pure gold." It was through difficult circumstances that the Lord worked on my character and will likely continue to do so.
And then the Apostle Paul tells us that all who follow the Shepherd will experience persecution. That sounds like a valley experience to me.
So we should not think that when we go through difficulties it's because we haven't followed the Shepherd. Sometimes He purposely leads us through valleys to draw us close to Himself.
That's not to say that sometimes we end up in dark places because of our own waywardness, and other times Satan attacks us to discourage us. We need not parse out the details of why we find ourselves in valleys as long as we remember that He will not leave us or forsake us as long as we want to be His sheep.
...though I (alone) walk through the valley of the shadow of death...You are with me...
Some thoughts on the symbolism of the shadow...
(1) You cannot have a shadow unless you have some light. If you're deep in a dark cave and it's all black, there are no shadows. Jesus is the Light with the sheep in the darkness. Even if it means leaving the 99 who are grazing out in the sunshine to be with the 1.
(2) A shadow may frighten you, but a shadow cannot hurt you.
"Gloom, danger, mystery, these three all vanish when faith lights up her heavenly lamp, trimmed with the golden oil of the promise." (Spurgeon)
(3) When you face the light, the shadow is all behind you. The shadow falls behind you.
Just a reminder of the arrangement that God agreed with the Satan in the book of Job.
God allowed the testing of Job (mankind in general) to see what's in our hearts and minds aka our motivations. However, God did NOT allow Satan and his angels to kill Job (mankind) Justice belongs to God alone.
Job 1:7-12 (CSB)
7 The LORD asked Satan, “Where have you come from? ” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.”
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”
9 Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 “Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 “But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
12 “Very well,” the LORD told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However,
do not #lay a hand on Job himself.” #
So Satan left the LORD’s presence.
Satan killed the righteous life of Christ Jesus through human agencies of Rome and carnal Israel. Satan shot himself in this act, he killed the author of his life. !
God wants all to be perfected to his image in qualities and attributes and has given those in Christ the overcoming eternal / Zoe life NOW through the Holy Spirit, in our imperfect state, to overcome Satan/wolves under our feet! Aka Crush his temptations and evil ways.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (CSB)
3 For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh,
4 since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments
5 and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we
#take every thought captive to obey Christ.#
Romans 16:20 (CSB) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
keep on trucking (meme)
Shalom
🙏
And we as Christian don't be afraid of the valley let's enter in the valley with christ so that He can pick us out from the valley yes we can face the valley in life but if christ is there we can conquer
Only in eternity will we truly know the reason for the many dark paths we have been on. I agree that many are the result of choices, ours or others. Some are the result of Satan's attack.
But as hard as it is to say, I would not say that God never leads us into the valley. Sometimes He may have a bigger purpose that requires that.
Last year I lost my job. It was something I did not see coming and very disappointing, because I loved my job and felt I was making a difference in it. I had been an online teacher for 12 years and loved it, but downsizing meant that many teachers lost their jobs and seniority was basically the determining factor.
I did find another job which started as half-time and built to full-time by Christmas. Part was teaching outreach students, which I was quite suited for, but I was also asked to teach a class of grade 9s Language Arts. I quickly found out that whatever classroom management skills I had had seriously dried up in the twelve years out of the classroom. I had a terrible time and felt very discouraged. I regularly had nightmares. With time, the students did settle down a bit, but I never felt that I had good management of the class.
However, I did connect with a young man in the class who was struggling and had even indicated he was considering suicide. I was able to encourage him and convince him his life was worth living. At the grade 9 farewell a few weeks ago, he told me I saved his life. And suddenly, what I'd been through made some sense.
Throughout the year, I had cried out to God asking him to help me. I didn't really feel my prayers answered and I could not understand how God would put me in a situation I could not handle. I felt abandoned.
However, I now see that the events I went through were necessary to work with that student and I accept the hard times if they were necessary to save his life. It's a public school and obviously you can't preach much. But in the card I gave to him, I mentioned what the Bible says about the worth of sparrows and how that shows his value. I will keep praying for him and hopefully in some way he will come to not only see his personal worth but how much God loves him.
That's my story about God leading in the valley.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, Christina! Teaching is such a full-on dedication and lonely a bit too because we are often the only adult in the room with 20-30 students, each with their own needs. God knows teachers' hearts, knows your heart, and He was able to guide you to bring compassion and encouragement to, at the very least, one of His precious lambs. Giving thanks!!
You prepare a table before me....
I am now living with my Mum, along with my older brother and his friend. My brother is talented in so many ways, one of which is meal prep. Each night he has been offering Mum stir-frys, mashed potatoes, grillings, veggie loafs, fresh salads, homemade soups, sandwiches and fruits on the hotter nights. He even serves her, arranging the plate beautifully with colors and garnishes to delight the eye. I took a turn tonight, experimenting with making a black bean walnut casserole which was tasty. I love to cook too, and yet with all the unpacking and busyness of getting settled, I realize what a gift it has been for him to be faithfully making meals every day, breakfasts too!
The Good Shepherd provides us with the food we really need (John 10:11; John 6:55-56). He sets up the Lord's table, He's paid for the food, He serves us the food,*** He IS the food!***, He puts Himself right before us so that He is not hidden away or far to get to, He cleans up. The beautiful nourishment of His forgiveness and grace fills our eyes and mouths throughout the day. We just reach out and receive and say "thank You, Lord". No one not sitting at the table can disturb us, push or pull us out of our seat. We might get distracted, but the provision of what Jesus did on the cross can never be taken away from us. Eternal, life-giving Food and Drink is always ready for us.
Is the focus on the valley or the shadow of death?
Is it saying that I fear no evil because he gives me comfort with his rod and staff so even though death is possible, I’m protected?
“How do you think the sheep ended up in the valley? Do you think the sheep went there on their own, or did the Shepherd lead the sheep that way Himself? Justify your answer.”
Some background before the question is answered.
Note how seasonal flash floods can cut a steep-sided ravine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S02RRTlWDPM&t=144s.
Here is an example of a wadi cited in Numbers 21:12: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wadi_Zered.JPG
These dark valleys can be a source of life (water and food) when there are no better alternatives or they may be the best way of getting from one place to another. If I am following my Shepherd, he knows what he is doing:
If the Lord is right by my side, dark valleys can be his paths of righteousness (his doing what is right in the context of his covenant faithfulness). His reputation (name) is on the line if I am following him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
This is the LORD’s work, not man’s. He is amazing and the cornerstone of faith. (Psalm 118:22-23.)
The question above of how the sheep found themselves in the valley brought several biblical characters to mind, who found themselves in this valley. Able, Noah, Joseph, Daniel and Jesus. There are many more, but these are who came to mind. All of these men found themselves in the valley because they were following the Shepherd. They were doing what was right, it was not because they were off doing their own thing. Able lost his life in that valley, but he never stopped doing right. Noah was called to bring salvation to the people of his time, being ridiculed the entire time. That would have been quite the valley, but he never quit. Joseph and Daniel entered that valley by no wrong doing of their own. But all the while in that valley, they still followed the Shepherd, and in doing so, they blessed many people. Jesus entered that valley before our world was even created, by his own choosing, not by wrong doing, but by His love for humanity. While in that valley he depended on his Shepherd/Father, and we have salvation because of that.
I think that sometimes our dark valley’s are safer for us than the easy road around the valley. The key is we need to trust the Shepherd and follow Him, because He will not leave our side, and His rod and staff will comfort and guide us. Psalms 23 tells us just that.