Remembering The Classics
Psalm 23
I have to admit, the older I get the more I like the "classics". The old familiar things. Cars. TV shows. Movies. Songs. They remind me of a time when life was simpler and awe-inspiring.
I find it amusing when I see kids wearing clothing styles that I recognize from my youth. I recently saw a younger person working at a coffee shop wearing retro style Nike shoes. I remembered saving for that specific style as a young person and the elation I felt when I finally had enough money to buy them. I commented to the barista, "I like your shoes!" She replied, "Yes, they are a classic style". To which I responded, "I know, I was there for the first editions!". She didn't respond beyond that, which, when I think about it, my comment also proved that I was indeed to be considered "a classic".
Q: What are some of the classics that you remember fondly?
A short while ago I attended a funeral for a friend who lost his 13 year battle with cancer. It was a solemn occasion, but celebratory in the fact that his hardship and pain had finally been replaced with eternal life with Christ. During the service, the minister read "a classic"; Psalm 23.
When he began reading the passage I drifted into my own thoughts about why it seems this passage is read at every important service, especially funerals. Aren't there other scriptures we can call on to commemorate the occasion?
As the minister continued, there was one part of the passage that got my attention.
Take a moment and read Psalm 23 (NLT) again here.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
The verse that caused me to "pause and ponder" is verse 4. Some translations of this passage say "even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid..."
I have to admit that in all of my previous readings of this classic scripture, I never gave this verse much thought. I always marginalized the meaning to be "whenever I encounter hard times...", but is that what it really means? Maybe. I also think it means something more.
When my life comes to an end, similar to my friend, will I be able to approach that time with a posture of fearlessness? Or, will I prefer to have a doctor beside me doing his best to keep me alive? There's no certainty in that. Will I prefer to have my family beside me at that moment? There will likely be momentary emotional comfort but will their presence remove fear of impending death? Probably not.
The presence of God, and nothing else, is the ONLY thing that has the ability to remove the fear of death. Jesus proved that death, even on the cross, was not to be feared. He conquered it with authority. We also know that God's holy spirit is with us at all times, even now, not just in our moment of death. That means we should live our lives with holy confidence and not the fear of submission to a lesser-power.
After the funeral service, I committed to re-read PSALM 23 with eyes wide open. What is each verse teaching me as I reacquaint myself with this old classic? The process has been like visiting an old friend. The new understandings have been refreshing. I have an even greater appreciation for the words at this time of my life.
I challenge you to find time to do the same; revisit the classic scriptures from your past. Share them with your Corpath forum group. Talk about what they mean to you. Go ahead - get nostalgic with them!
Q: Which scriptures do you consider to be your classics? Make a list of them and set aside time to re-engage with them.
My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I praise you again this week for your care of me. I thank you for this message that challenges me to find time to engage with your scriptures, even re-reading the classics that I once knew so well. Let me find new messages from them. I pray they would fuel the fire in me to burn brightly for others to see. Amen.
Blessings As Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
