October 4, 2020 - The Valley of the Shadow is Dispelled!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

for Thou art with me… - Psalm23:4a

As the worldwide pandemic rolls on, it is being attributed to many more deaths as a contributing factor than a stand-alone cause for the deaths. It’s an attached factor, an additional reason, so to speak. The number of actual singular reason deaths is much less but that doesn’t make it any less fearful – any less troubling to the soul. Unless… Unless we, as followers of Christ, realize that we do not walk alone in the shadow of certain death. Death is coming but there is no reason for the believer to fear. In this city, we’re always somewhat in the shadow of death but we live well anyway. We know in whom we have believed.

Our transition from here to there will not always have an evil event attached to it. Father Nicholas Vieron, a prominent leader with the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church died at the age of 94. According to the church, he passed away Tuesday (Sept. 29) morning of natural causes. Vieron ministered as Pastor Emeritus of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis for nearly 65 years beginning in 1955. He just, went home. You see folks, sometimes it’s just time to go.

My point is not to make light of people’s fears or of death or of COVID-19. I just hope we remember that we have another shadow with us as believers and followers. It’s the shadow of the protection of the Creator of the universe. He too is with us. But, He is the Light. The Light that shines in the darkness! He illuminates the shadows and dispels the night.

Pastor Floyd once said that you can tell a lot about someone’s faith by watching the way they die. Meaning when they get a diagnosis and know it won’t be long, what is their reaction? My tie-in is that as we live our life, let’s remember the sheep. They don’t fear death. They seem happy most of the time that I’ve noticed for they seem to know that the shepherd is still there and he will keep them safe until it’s time to let them go.

We must fear no evil for He is with us…

- Lord, help us hold to the confidence in You in the midst of this situation

- Give us the words to speak if You need us to encourage someone – even if it’s today.