Psalm 23: 4--6
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, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint
my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow
me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
In the Name of the One Who Comforts us, amen.
These words are so well known to most of us that they lose their impact.
It is difficult for us to identify with walking through the valley of
death except in a hypothetical way. But in a real sense we walk through
the valley of death every day. And it is a valley. The enemy is on the
slopes on both sides of us. We couldn't be more vulnerable. Where isn't
there evil that confronts us? From our friends who encourage us to do
what is wrong, loved ones who keep us away from church, the media that
tells us "It's normal," and "Everybody does it," to the guilt that we
feel from past sins, the pride that comes in because "we are not like
others," and the apathy that creeps in because, "We've heard it all
before."
The enemy is all around, but we do not need to fear because the Lord our
Shepherd has His rod and staff to protect us. His rod and staff that is,
the Law and Gospel keep us safe from the things that threaten our faith.
When we are tempted by friends and society, God's holy Law keeps us in
line by showing us what is right and what is wrong. When guilt
overwhelms us His holy Gospel takes the guilt away. When pride comes
God's Law shows us we really are no better than anyone else. When apathy
creeps in, the beauty of the Gospel shows us how profound God's love
really is.
Yes, we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. But our Lord
prepares the table of Holy Communion for us, even in the presence of the
enemy. He anoints our heads with oil as a royal priesthood. Our cup of
salvation overflows to others. And, even while we walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, we dwell in the house of the Lord. Now on
earth when we come to church, we have a taste of what will be ours
forever. Attending church on earth is the "already, but not yet" of
paradise. Dear lambs of God, your shepherd guides you. You belong to
Him and He will protect you and keep you in His house forever! Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, You are our good shepherd. We live in a world that
attacks our faith at every turn. Bless us by Your Law and Gospel to keep
us in the true faith unto life everlasting, amen.