The shadow of death means the atmosphere of death and not actual death although sometimes, the shadow of death could be as deadly as the death itself. For this reason, David said in Psalm 23: 4, even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Other versions use the shadow of death rather than the darkest valley. Because of the equal deadly nature of the shadow of death, the psalmist said God is his protector.
The shadow of death reflects sin to which we are invited to participate in with consequences of death. Psalm 102: 11 says, my days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. If we remain content with living in the atmosphere of sin, we will die like grass, without certainty of any life. Life is full of uncertainties and we need Jesus who is certain about every situation. Ecclesiastes 6: 12 says… Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?
Many of us walk daily in the shadow of death. Although it is transient, it could be permanent in the end if steps are not taken to avert it. 1Chronicles 29: 15 says… Our days on earth are like a shadow without hope. This is repeated in Job 8: 9… our days on earth are but a shadow. In other words, the life span of a human being is as unpredictable as the shadow, hence the bible says in Ephesians 5: 16 says, make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.
Jesus and the shadow of death
Jesus lived in the shadow of death throughout his life yet found favour with God. His life was endangered before his birth. Luke 2: 7 says, she (Mary) wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. At his birth, the angel said to Joseph in Matthew 2: 13, “Go up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt… for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.
In confirmation, Matthew 2: 16 says, he gave orders to kill all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. He was tempted, opposed, hated, humiliated and painfully killed yet without sin. Death always operates in the shadows.
The shadow of God’s wings
The Lord delivers us from the shadow of death because Job 34: 22 says there is no deep shadow, no utter darkness where evildoers can hide. Rather than remaining in the shadow of death, the psalmist prayed to God in Psalm 17: 8… hide me in the shadow of your wings. In the shadow God’s wings is his unfailing love, Psalm 36: 7; God’s protection against disaster, Psalm 57: 1. Psalm 91: 1 says, whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
In Christ Jesus, there is hope even if we walk in the shadow of death. God said to Joshua in Joshua 1: 5, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. This promise is not limited to only Joshua but all who walk with the Lord in faith, truth and obedience. God promised in Isaiah 43: 2, when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
God’s grace and the shadow of death
God delivers and saves by grace for Ephesians 2: 5 says it is by grace you have been saved. Also, Ephesians 2: 8-9 say, for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. By this grace, Jesus came thus in Matthew 4: 16, the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. The shadow of death is darkness which cannot comprehend the light of Christ Jesus.
In Luke 1: 78-79, Jesus is referred to as the rising sun who is from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. There is no peace in the shadow of death except in Jesus. Matthew 8: 27; Mark 4: 41 says who is this man, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Paul answered this in Philippians 2: 10-11, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. May we walk in the shadow of Christ Jesus rather than in the shadow of death.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, keep us in your shadow of righteousness and peace, we pray. Don’t desert us nor leave us to the darkness of sin and woe. Be near us while the tempest is near and speak peace into our situation according to your love and mercy. Into your hands we commend our lives through your blood. We pray in your blessed Holy name, Amen!!
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