God with Us
Matt.28:20
April 28, 2008
“Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age”
The book of Matthew begins with “ God with us ” and ends with, “I am with you”. God pledges His presence. He will never leave us!
Psalm 23, is called the Shepherd Psalm. I love this psalm! It talks about the care and concern; the love and leading of the Good Shepherd. In those days the kings were considered as shepherds caring for the people. Jesus is our Shepherd-King!
The psalmist recites his own experience caring for the sheep. The sheep enjoy the Shepherd’s care and provision, abundance and freshness, rest and healing. What a blessed, relaxed, and peaceful life!
Suddenly the storm blows! Something terrible happens! He is walking through the valley of the shadow of death? Do we at times find ourselves in situations like this?
What was his response? “I will fear no evil”! How could he say that? Faith? Oh yes! He had also trusted that the good shepherd will not desert him at the time of difficulty.
Before the “valley experience” when everything was going good, the psalmist referred to God as “He” in the third person. When he was in the valley of the shadow of death suddenly he found God right beside him. And he spoke to God in first person saying, “God you are with me”! Be assured! When you are going through the severest test in your life God will be right beside you.
One more thing! Remember this. When there is a shadow, there is a light shining from above! Why should we worry when Jesus has made a pledge to be with us and His light is shining over us!!
