READ: PSALM 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I Need. (V. 1)
Many of my favorite fictional books deal with mystery, intrigue and espionage. The stories involve larger than life military or law enforcement heroes who do things that transcend human abilities. In each case, the hero was required to walk through “the valley of the shadow of death” to affect the rescue of hostages or to end a sinister plot to destroy the world.
Indeed, these quick paced page turning books are easy and enjoyable to read. But when I am finished, I take the time to reflect on the lives of those who elect to serve our country and our communities. They literally walk in the “valley of the shadow of death” every day they report for duty. Law enforcement officers constantly face unknown dangers during their shifts. Who is in the car being stopped for a traffic violation? Is this just another malfunctioning alarm or the real thing? What will be waiting at the scene of a domestic disturbance? How do we safely execute a search warrant at the drug dealers house? Where do we stop the car seen leaving the scene of a crime? How do we safely stop a suspected DUI? How are we going too safely serve the arrest warrant? These are just a sampling of the questions that occupy an officers’ mind: during their tour of duty. Yes, the “valley of the shadow of death” is not just found in books written to attain best seller status, it is a living reality for thousands of men and women who have chosen “To protect and serve!”
Comfort for those working in the “shadow of death” comes from being an integral member of a family whose members are bound by unspoken oaths to care for each other no matter the risk or situation. The wail of a distant siren, or the calm voice of another officer on the radio, were ever present assurances that we were never alone, only the first to arrive on the scene.
Good Friday reminds us that Christ walked through the “valley of the shadow of death” knowing his journey would end at the cross. He was anguished and alone, (Matthew 26:42), but knew that he must faithfully complete this task given to him by the Father. No one could take his place—it was his solitary walk and journey. He was the sacrificial lamb chosen by God to pay the price of the past, present and future sins of the world. Hanging on the cross with his life slowly ebbing away, Jesus defeated the powers of sin and death forever. He suffered alone,(Matthew 27:46), so that we would never be alone during our earthly walks of life.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Do you realize we are all living in the “shadow of death?” Who do you look to for deliverance?
Thank you Jesus. Thank you for being our shepherd and bringing us safely through the valley of the shadow of death.