Lee
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Post by Lee on Jan 12, 2014 16:38:12 GMT
"We must always stand consciously in the presence of death. Not morbidly, but soberly and realistically: the death of those we have known and loved (and inadequately appreciated), the death of Christ, and our own inevitable death if the Lord remain away. Sin and death are the present inescapable REALITY, and we cope with reality by facing it maturely and intelligently. The empty, giddy, unreal mirth of fools that fills the world is an abomination to our holy God. We are always in his presence. Let us ever remember to behave in keeping with that fact."
GVG, Search Me O God
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Lee
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Post by Lee on Jan 11, 2015 15:39:41 GMT
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
David was not referring to the shadow of death itself, but to one of the many narrow defiles in the hills through which the shepherd sometimes leads his flocks, that they may reach better pasture and water beyond. These valleys are called by typical names “the valley of gloom,” “the valley of wild beasts,” “the valley of death” and so on. The paths along them are narrow and precipitous and a little straying off the narrow path will result in a fall and serious injury. Sometimes they are infested by beasts of prey who will injure or kill the sheep but are kept off by the shepherd with his staff, and he will risk his life for his sheep if necessary. David had exercised this care himself and there was a special significance in our Lord’s words that “the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”—if necessary. So Christ’s followers must sometimes pass through these dark valleys of tribulation and adversity that they may learn obedience and be developed in character. How necessary it is at such times to keep strictly to the narrow way and walk in the very footsteps of our Master himself.
(1929). The Christadelphian, 66(electronic ed.), 410.
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Lee
Administrator
Posts: 1,047
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Post by Lee on Jan 11, 2015 15:45:28 GMT
"David was not referring to the shadow of death itself"....actually I think he was probably using a current day situation to teach about a spiritual principle, so not sure I would have used the term "not referring to". Still the description was interesting.
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