Learning From Sheep

I have learned that we can gain knowledge from many things we do not understand in our society.  As I re-read the 23rd Psalm it is evident we can learn from sheep.  Yes ... those dumb animals that are known for strange behavior ... those things that get fleeced pretty often ... those creatures that will follow one another off a cliff.  These are the creatures God clearly identifies with His people.  Flattering, isn't it?
On the other hand, it is clear that we accept that analogy from God since the 23rd Psalm is probably the best known and favorite (if we take a poll) Psalm of all.  It comforts us to know we have a God on which we can rely.  It gives us peace to know that we have a God that leads us to places we can rest.
I want to keep this blog short and to the point today.  So I will dwell on one peaceful place in this work of poetic art that is a treasure for the rich and poor, for the weak and strong and for the lost and found.  That phrase is, "through the valley of the shadow of death."  First, this is a real place in the ancient world.  It is on that road where the good Samaritan finds the beaten man, between Jericho and Jerusalem.  It is just below the Mount of Temptation where Jesus spent time in the wilderness.  It is not a place to stay but a place to get through to the safety on the other side.  Second, like Jesus this place is a temptation.  We are tempted to give up ... to stop ... to let the shadows get the best of us.  God wants us to know that they are shadows ... scarecrows that want to mess with our minds and break our spirit.  I think God would say what an old Petra song says ... "where there is a shadow, there is a light."  Finally, we, like those led in the Psalm, are to keep trucking through and past that valley.  So many are caught up in depression and other ills that grow so freely in the fertile fields of minds imprisoned by the false gods of the world in which we live.  David understood this and I think as he penned these words as a respite and refuge in his confused world of politics, extravagance, failed alliances, sin, sorrow and bad choices.  I think we need this refuge too for many of the same reasons.  We need to hear the words that God has told us ... we have a place that we can go ... where there are green pastures, still waters and the eternal presence of God.  I don't know about you, but I long for that place and want to live as many days there as possible.  Let's start now! Pastor Randy