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Walking in the Shadow of Death
May 4, 2013

Following the capture and arrest of the remaining Boston bomber, it became clear that a radicalized person could mix violence with peace and provide an environment where first responders walked in the shadow of death. I admire all who run to trouble in an effort to save life. Police, firefighters, and military are often thought of as running to trouble to save life. In many common parts of life, as we live the life that Jesus wants us to live, we can find ourselves walking through the shadow of death as we are given opportunity to rescue those whose life is imperiled. What imperils the lives of those around us may be different than what was seen in Boston. When a child loses his or her parents, the world as they know it is over. A lifetime given to the pursuit of a career can be over as quickly as the economy changes. Sometimes world events happen in rapid succession and it is hard to maintain grasp of the current situation. An unexpected change in family fortune, even when through no fault of any family member can have a devastating impact. While walking in the shadow of death, it is important to remember we are not alone. It was David who first used this poetic language to describe his situation.

Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

It is important for us to remember that our situation in life can change. Just because our life is good today doesn't mean that tomorrow it will be the same. If found that out last Sunday when I awoke to flu-like symptoms. I was flat on my back all day because my body ached so much. While it may be easy to recall now how that unexpected illness caused me to change my plans for that day, on the day it was hard just to think. Those who are sick, in prison, without food and clothes find themselves walking in the shadow of death. Jesus used a parable to explain that being able to walk in the shadow of death to help those already there is one of the things that identify the righteous.

Matthew 25:31-40
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Though life as we know it can change in an instance for whatever reason, we need to remember that God never changes.

Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

God never changes and expects us to walk in the shadow of death, and walking in the shadow of death allows us to celebrate what is good, embrace what is good, and do what is good.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
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