The Lord Is My Shepherd
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD Psalm 23
The author is walking through the dark valley. The shadow of death has fallen upon his life. He is in "the presence of enemies" which attack his faith and bring him sadness. His mind will not rest as he is reminded of his lost loved one. Tears flow. He is "walking through the valley of the shadow of death."He sees the Shepherd going before the sheep as they descend into a valley between two pastures. The trees are tall, the underbrush thick, briars prick, and vines entangle.It is a fearful experience, but "thy rod and thy staff comfort me." He sees the club on the shepherd's shoulder ready to drive off attacking animals. He sees him take the crooked staff and lift up a wounded lamb. He carries the lamb in his arms until they come to a clearing at the edge of the new grazing ground. The shepherd takes a sheepskin from his pouch and rubs oil on the lamb's wounds and rubs his head gently. "Thou anointest my head with oil." The author can feel the soothing and healing touch as he prays."He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." As the sheep move from the shadows on the hillside, the sun shines brighter and the grass is greener and thicker. The author recalls his green pastures the shepherd has provided for him. He remembers his marriage ceremony, the birth of his first child, and all of the family experiences that meant so much to him. He remembers his friends with joy and appreciation. He rejoices that his loved one has had such a good life. His life has had many wonderful experiences. "My cup runneth over."The shepherd has brought so many green pastures and walked with him through the dark valleys. The shepherd provides more green pastures than dark valleys. There are more joys than sorrows. His faith triumphs: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The Great Shepherd led His Only Son into the deepest and darkest of all valleys and brought him through victorious in glory. He points the way to all of his children. The good shepherd who lay down his life has brought eternal salvation.
The author is walking through the dark valley. The shadow of death has fallen upon his life. He is in "the presence of enemies" which attack his faith and bring him sadness. His mind will not rest as he is reminded of his lost loved one. Tears flow. He is "walking through the valley of the shadow of death."He sees the Shepherd going before the sheep as they descend into a valley between two pastures. The trees are tall, the underbrush thick, briars prick, and vines entangle.It is a fearful experience, but "thy rod and thy staff comfort me." He sees the club on the shepherd's shoulder ready to drive off attacking animals. He sees him take the crooked staff and lift up a wounded lamb. He carries the lamb in his arms until they come to a clearing at the edge of the new grazing ground. The shepherd takes a sheepskin from his pouch and rubs oil on the lamb's wounds and rubs his head gently. "Thou anointest my head with oil." The author can feel the soothing and healing touch as he prays."He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." As the sheep move from the shadows on the hillside, the sun shines brighter and the grass is greener and thicker. The author recalls his green pastures the shepherd has provided for him. He remembers his marriage ceremony, the birth of his first child, and all of the family experiences that meant so much to him. He remembers his friends with joy and appreciation. He rejoices that his loved one has had such a good life. His life has had many wonderful experiences. "My cup runneth over."The shepherd has brought so many green pastures and walked with him through the dark valleys. The shepherd provides more green pastures than dark valleys. There are more joys than sorrows. His faith triumphs: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The Great Shepherd led His Only Son into the deepest and darkest of all valleys and brought him through victorious in glory. He points the way to all of his children. The good shepherd who lay down his life has brought eternal salvation.
posted by Dr. James F. Hubbard at 11:18 AM
1 Comments:
Dr Hubbard,
It was a pleasure to see you in Blowing Rock today. You had an immpression on me while i took your class at Pembroke State in 1974 or 73.You are a great spirit of a man ,with sincere thoughts and the ablitiy to make one think.
The world NOW needs more people like yourself,i understand you,and I too have had a deep loss in my life,my mother at age 17 of cancer.
Thankyou,
Craig Frederick Callio
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