Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Psalm 23, Verse 4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

Men are fickled things when faith and trust in God leaves fear and pride enter. We see this in the response of the Jew’s to Pilate. When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:13-15)

Comparing David with Saul the one thing that distinguished them from each other was David’s humility and confidence in the Lord. This we can see in David’s Psalm 23.

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even 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 comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy^* will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.

With the same humble confidence as David let us pray that this Christmas season be the one that is blessed as we receive our Lord and our God.