Pastor's Page

During the course of our holiday in Scotland this year we had occasion to drive through the awesome pass of Glencoe, famous as the scene of a terrible massacre many years ago. As we drove through the twisting and narrow defile I was reminded of the journey of life. It too can be described as a valley through which we journey on our way to our final destination for eternity. I was also reminded of the well-known 23rd Psalm where David writes “Yea, 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”. A number of thoughts came to mind to encourage us as we make our way through life surrounded by sin and it’s deathly consequences. There are many things in life which we fear and at best fill us with anxiety and care. However:

WE SHOULD NOT FEAR

You may well feel at times that your situation is different and you try to justify your doubts and fears. However the truth is that there is never really any reason or justification to fear. Remember every valley has two mountains, one either side. In Glencoe those mountains are extremely steep and in places sheer masses of impenetrable rock faces. They hedge the traveller in to travel in a forward direction, and prompt an upward look.

Looking up at those rock walls in the Glen we are reminded of two good reasons why our fears should at least subside and really fall away altogether. We are bounded on one side of our journey through life by:

THE ROCK OF GOD’S PRESENCE

David was reassured in his Psalm as he wrote “You are with me”. Christian brother and sister this is as true for you as it was for David. Your Lord has said “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He is the one who “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

What a privilege this is! Our Lord and Saviour, like a great rock, accompanies us all the way through the valley of life. He keeps us on track and shields us. Clouds may at times obscure our view of Him but He is always there. “I will fear no evil for You are with me”.

Then on the other side of the valley is another rock wall, another immovable mountain. We should not fear because we are hemmed in by:

THE ROCK OF GOD’S SOVEREIGN CONTROL

David was strengthened by the knowledge that “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”. Friend whatever your circumstances and fears in the valley of life always remember this.

The shepherd’s rod was the symbol of his authority and power. With it he protected, guided and cared for the sheep. Passing under the rod was to be under the full orbed discipline and leadership of the shepherd. Likewise the shepherd’s staff was used like our familiar shepherd’s crook to help and aid the sheep in times of danger and difficulty. Christian always keep in your view that “The Lord God omnipotent reigns” (Revelation 19:6) and that all power and authority is vested in your Lord and Saviour (Matthew 28:18). Remember too that He loved you to the extent that He laid down His life for you on the cross and is risen again in order to bring you safe home to glory itself.

How wonderful this is. Our Saviour is with us and always in control of all things so that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Then we need not fear in the valley of life because of:

THE ROCK OF GOD’S PROVISION

Running through Glencoe is a stream gradually developing into a river. As is often the case in the valleys of this world, and Glencoe in particular, at the head and indeed throughout the valley there are waterfalls. They pour down from above, and appear to tumble out of the mountainside and rock. They remind me of the great rock in the Israelite’s wilderness journey. Nehemiah reminded the people of his day that God “brought them water out of the rock for their thirst, and told them to go in to possess the land which [He] had sworn to give them” (Nehemiah 9:15). Our Psalm recognises this too as David writes “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”. Paul tells us “that rock was Christ” (1Corinthians 10:4). Again our Lord bids us “If any man thirst let him come to Me and drink” (John 6:37).

With such a sure and refreshing provision we have no need to fear. The waters of God’s goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life until we come to;

THE END OF THE VALLEY

Travelling through the valleys eventually they open out. They do not go on forever but generally lead to a beautiful vista and plain. The valley of our lives as Christians is no different. David looked forward to the moment when “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.

Beloved friends this is our prospect too. The rocks of God’s presence, sovereign control and provision combine together to bring us to the dwelling place of the Lord in heaven. What sights will meet us there as we behold the heavenly glories. The glory of God and our Saviour, the glory of the angelic host, the glory of our fellow Christians who have been redeemed with the blood of Christ. Who can describe the wonder of Paradise regained with all that awesome expression conveys! Our journey through the valley of life is not for ever. It will soon be over and we shall be beyond all fear and doubt, all weariness and weakness.

Can I encourage you to keep looking up to the great Rock of Ages who is with you to guide, control and provide for your every need. Praise God that “Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee”.

Yours in our Saviour’s Name,

Pastor