Comfort In The Valley
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Who could have imagined when this 23rd Psalm series began that we would have laid Sis. Rita’s father to rest? We had just finished preaching a campmeeting near Olean, NY and was en route to another campmeeting near Jacksonville, FL. That’s when we got the news that Bro. Ritchey only had seventy-two hours to live. We then changed course for Oklahoma and after 24 hours of nonstop driving, we arrived at McAlester, OK in time to say our goodbyes.
Then on July 17th at 11:03am, Bro. Ritchey made that crossing through the valley of the shadow of death. Some of his final words were Glory, Glory, Glory!
What does the Psalmist speak of when he refers to the valley of the shadow of death? Scholars have varied opinions as to the exact meaning, although many agree that David must have envisioned the deep valleys and ravines that remain to this day in Palestine. Even now, robbers and murderers still hide themselves in the hills and prey on travelers in the valleys below. David spent many days in these dark valleys while running from King Saul.
Death is compared to one of these dark valleys that must be passed through. But it is the shadow of death. You see, the grave has lost it’s victory and death has lost it’s sting! The shadow of a sword cannot kill, neither can the shadow of a serpent sting. When our Shepherd arose on that Easter morning, Death bowed his head in defeat. No longer the victor, Death can only cast it’s shadow on those who believe in Christ. This valley, deep and dark, will ultimately produce the fruits of Resurrection. In the 24 years that we have traveled, we have said many goodbyes to our families, with tears in our eyes. Sis. Rita said many goodbyes to her dad as she pulled out of the driveway at 512 East Locust. But when we said our goodbyes to Bro. Ritchey on July 17th, it was the last goodbye that will ever have to be spoken. For on resurrection day, there will be no more goodbyes. The shadow of death will give way to the eternal light of glory!
Revelation 22:5
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
The nurse that worked Bro. Ritchey’s room said that she had seen a lot of death cases. But with tears, she said she’d never seen one as peaceful as Bro. Ritchey’s. Comfort in time of death does not make sense to this world. But Philippians 4:7 says that He would give us a peace that passes all understanding. In other words, God’s children possess a peace that doesn’t make sense. If you have lost a loved one, first let me tell you that they are not lost. I like the words to a song that says, “The moment you see me departing, you will know I have safely arrived.”
Yes my friend, there is comfort in the valley of the shadow of death!