The light beyond the valley

Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.— Psalm 23:4

Death comes eventually to us all. Yet, for the Christian, the dark door of death is to be viewed as only a shadow. As frightening as death may appear, on the other side is the bright and shining gate that leads to life — eternity with Jesus!

Author William H. Ridgeway recalls that when he was a boy he and his friends would pick berries. After filling their baskets, they would wait beside a nearby railroad tack. As the sun was sinking in the west, a train would come by and “run over them.” Of course the iron monster with its thundering noise and screaming whistle didn’t actually run over them at all. It was only the shadow that passed over them.

There they sat, knowing there was no danger but shivering in anticipation at the approaching locomotive and boxcars. As the train swept by them, they were in its shadow for just a few moments and then it was gone. The setting sun bathed them in a golden glow as they walked to the inviting warmth of home. What a wonderful illustration of what it means for the Christian to “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps. 23:4).

We need not fear the chilling shadow of death — for the Lord is with us (v. 4), and we have a home with Him waiting for us just beyond (2 Cor. 5:1-8).

— Henry Bosch

Sa not it’s a dreadful journey

When the Savior leads the way,

It’s just passing through the shadows

To the land of endless day! — Bosch

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8

For the Christian, death is the last shadow before heaven’s dawn.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Chronicles 14-16

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Chronicles 14-16