Confidence Through Uncertainty

Psalm 23

The LORD is My Shepherd

Warm Easter greetings to you!

We have come to 40+ days of Movement Control Order [MCO]! We should say well done to one another and give thanks to Almighty God for keeping us in this journey – at least it is not 40 years like the wilderness wondering of Israel when they exited Egypt!

Psalm 23 is a time-tested masterpiece which can not only outlast 40 days but even beyond 4,000 years, having ministered to millions! The only problem is, like a precious portrait hanging on our living room wall it, can become “invisible” with time.

I thank the Lord that I was moved by the Holy Spirit to “re-memorize” this psalm of David [which I had first done about 45 years ago!] on the 18 March when the MCO kicked in. The power and presence of who our risen and “in total control” Good Shepherd - became so real once again through Psalm 23.

This refreshing reality of the Good Shepherd for our situation today comes through the ageless yet “just as real for today” truths and promises contained in this psalm 23 because they come from the eternal, personal and unchanging God.

Let me share a few key thoughts on it.

Firstly, we note “The Mix ‘Geography’ of Psalm 23”

With fresh eyes, we notice the scenic streams, the green meadows [v 2] but also “the valley of the shadow of death” [v 4].

David declares - “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.”

This is a dangerous dark valley concealing unseen man-eating predators and evil men. It is a place that haunts the imagination and accelerate the heart beat with fear and tenseness, just like the COVID-19 pandemic [globally with more than 3 mil infections and more than 200,000 deaths as on 20 April 2020].

But well-being and comfort invade even such a place because of the conquering presence of the Shepherd - which makes this psalm the most beloved throughout history.

The “mix geography” of different situations and scenarios in each of our lives, whether young or old, is actual and unavoidable.

Even in the terrain of the “COVID-19 valley shadow of death”, our risen Lord is in control! Our Great Shepherd [Hebrews 13:20] is in charge of all the mixed and total geography of life, just as the beauty of the mixed and total geography of the physical world we see today is made by Him!

Secondly, we note “The Master of the Unwanted Route in Psalm 23”

Of our own, we would want to avoid this path of deathly shadows [v 4]; BUT then we lose sight of Who leads us into such a valley. Even dumb sheep naturally dodge walking into dangerous unlit shadowy places. Dark paths are where sheep become “lamb chops”!

When life overpowers us, we entertain doubts in our heart that say — if we are truly his — we would never have to travel into such heart shattering fear filled places. But David thinks otherwise.

When he writes, “I shall fear no evil for you are with me,” David is trustingly confident that his Shepherd meant for him to pass this way. His Good Shepherd is not one that is scratching his head wondering and despairing whether they took a wrong turn. How important to realize this!

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies [v 5].”

His Good Shepherd, our Good Shepherd, makes his people dine in front of those who seek their life [including invisible viruses]. The Good Shepherd assuredly demonstrates that He is both personally present and powerfully prepared for this “unwanted route” taken.

Even in the shadows the vulnerable sheep can see his Good Shepherd armed - “Your rod and your staff they comfort me.” [v4].

David realized that he cannot spot all the dangers ahead of him. But he could see the Good Shepherd is with him – armed and ready to defend him with His own life [John 10:14-15] — so why should he fear?

Lastly, it is important that one particular word should be not lost in David’s familiar but powerfully well-chosen expression:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” [v 4].

He leads through – the sheep will not be stuck there as a final destination is in store. This unwanted dark valley was not the final destination; the haunting deep darkness that seems to last for ages has a time limit – it was not his final resting place. It was only part of the unwelcome route leading elsewhere.

Surrounded by peril, predators, and uncertainty, David knows that he will walk through it with the Good Shepherd, leading him.

Where is the final destination?

“And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” [v 6].

Christ’s presence through all the “mixed geography” of our earthly life is guaranteed for those who unwaveringly trust in Him till we arrive at His eternal presence in our Father’s house of “many mansions [John 14:2].

Today, we may be tempted to flee “the dark valley of Jerusalem” like Cleopas and his companion did 3 days after the Crucifixion of their beloved Lord [Luke 24:13, 18]. They were deeply lost, disappointed, discouraged and shaken by the dangerously violent and life-threatening situation they were in [Luke 24:17-24].

It was in this unwanted terrain of fear that the risen Good Shepherd appeared to them. He became “visible” [recognizable] again - once the overwhelming “blinding” fears of their dark shadows were lovingly but clearly lifted and deleted by the risen Christ, as they conversed with Him.

The result? NLT Luke 24:32 – 38: They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. " 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

In this opportune though unwanted “valley of the shadow of death “COVID-19 MCO season, may you continue to encounter the presence of the Good Shepherd, as you intentionally meet and converse with Him around the Scriptures.

With expectant faith, you will find your heart “strangely warmed” as you meet with our risen Lord – then go tell another/ others of Him Who met you!

The Good Shepherd is risen! He is risen indeed! He is with us! Hallelujah! Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Shepherd of our souls we give You thanks for this hour that You have fed us. Indeed, when we have You, we do not lack anything. We entrust ourselves and our loved ones near and far to You. Please help us stay close to You, today and always. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sermon by Bishop Ong Hwa Teik