Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

While it is comforting to know that Jesus’ rod and staff will guide and protect me, how does that fit with walking through the valley of the shadow of death?

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

In Israel, there was an ancient trail one must walk to travel up to Jerusalem.  It was steep, and the traveler had to climb way above a deep precipice.  The Jews called it “The valley of the shadow of death.” It is believed that David imagined this journey while writing Psalm 23. When pilgrims walked this skinny dirt path, it was easy to slip and fall over the side into the canyon.  Added to the danger were the thieves who hid behind huge boulders on the mountainside.  Attacks, and the physical struggles that followed, almost always resulted in someone’s death.

This stretch of the journey was the most dreaded as God’s people traveled to the Holy City. The Psalms of Ascent reveal that they sang songs of Zion and recited God’s promises to deal with their fear and fatigue. They lived for the joy that awaited them when they entered the gates of Jerusalem. 

With that as the backdrop, I can know that on the most difficult part of my journey home to heaven, Jesus will shepherd me through a similar treacherous valley.  The wiles of the devil won’t diminish at the end of life, far from it.  Satan will try to prey on my fear.  He will thrive on oppressing me when I’m at my weakest.  Never will Jesus’ presence, and His rod and staff, be more needed. 

Jesus also knows the way. His Father led Him through that same treacherous valley as He hung on a cross and approached the end of His mortality.  God’s rod and staff guided Jesus from the moment He said, “It is finished,” to the moment of glorious reunion with the Trinity.   

He will not let your foot slip; he who watches over you will not slumber.  Psalm 121:3

Shepherd in life, Shepherd in death.  My life is continually under your perfect care.  Amen