THE TABERNACLE IN THE WILDERNESS: GOD’S DWELLING PLACE (Part 4) THE HOLY OF HOLIES by LaTawnia Kintz

By illustrators of the 1890 Holman Bible [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

THE HOLY OF HOLIES

            “And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.” Exodus 25:10 (NKJV)

            Thus far we have looked at the various names of the tabernacle of meeting, the free will offerings, and we also studied about the silver paid for the atonement. There is so much more to be studied and absorbed just in those topics, yet we need to continue forward as there are more wonderful things to be discovered.

            Our God is such an awesome and holy God that He set in place how His tabernacle was to be constructed and in the order it was to be made. One of the wonderful things about Him that stood out to me during this study is how He readies our heart for His dwelling place. Have you ever stopped and realized how tenderly God woos us and waits for us to open our hearts to His sweet love? His first concern is our heart condition. Here is where He beings the work because it is our heart, our spirit that becomes His dwelling place.

            The same thing takes place with His tabernacle in the wilderness. He gives Moses instruction on how to build the tabernacle starting with the inside. Remember, this tabernacle was to be made according to the pattern that is in heaven. It is also the pattern, if you will, that is evident in our own relationship with the Living God. God began with the inside because that is how He deals with us. He is the one who cleanses our heart and prepares us for His indwelling.

            So let us begin with the inner part of the tabernacle as well, the Holy of Holies, at the Ark of the Covenant.

            There are many names for the Ark of the Covenant or the Ark of the Testimony just to name another one. Here are some of the other names:

1.      The Ark of acacia wood (Exodus 25:10)

2.      The Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:22)

3.      The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord (Numbers 10:33)

4.      The Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 3:6)

5.      The Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth (Joshua 3:13)

6.      The Ark of the Lord (Joshua 4:11)

7.      The Ark of the Covenant of God (Judges 20:27)

8.      The Ark of God (1 Samuel 3:3)

9.      The Ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts (1 Samuel 4:3)

10.  The Ark of the God of Israel (1 Samuel 5:7)

11.  The Ark of the Lord God (1 Kings 2:26)

12.  The Ark of our God (1 Chronicles 13:3)

13.  The Holy Ark (2 Chronicles 35:3)

14.  The Ark of Your strength (Psalm 132:8)

Now I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time trying to figure out what a cubit is so I did a little research and for my benefit a cubit equals approximately 18.20 inches. So from this point we are going to use that measuring in place of cubits, just to make it easier for our western minds.

That means the Ark was 3 ¾ feet long by 2 ¼ feet wide and 2 ¼ feet high. Pay attention to these dimensions because we are going to see that these numbers are going to be repeated in other things; sometimes doubled, but still the same numbers.

We are going to pause here and take a look at some more verses in Exodus about the Ark of the Testimony.

Beginning with Exodus 25:10 –

“And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.

“And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around.

“You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four corners; two rings shall be on one side, and two rings on the other side.

“And you shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

“You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them.

“The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it.

“And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you.

“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width.

“And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat.

“Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat.

“And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.

“You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you.

“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 25:10-22 NKJV)

Please take the time to read these other passages: Exodus 37:1-9 and Hebrews 9:4.

I hope you paid attention to the detail God laid out in regards to the Ark of Testimony. It is that very detail we are going to delve into. This is so exciting! The Lord left nothing to chance. He not only told Moses how it was to be constructed but repeated Himself so Moses couldn’t get it wrong. I don’t know about you, but I need to hear from the Lord many times to get things right and yet, I still can make a mess out of things. Thank you Lord for Your mercy and grace. Amen.

In this particular passage (Exodus 25:10-22) we learn the Ark was to be covered inside and out with pure gold. Pure gold: in thinking about what it takes to make pure gold visions of smelting pots and lots of fire come to mind. The gold that was used to cover the Ark and poles had been refined to its purest content. There was not one bit of impurity left. It was absolutely pure. In Revelation 21 we read about the New Jerusalem that will be made of pure gold, so pure is will be like clear glass.

For anything to be made pure it has to be refined by fire, the dross or impurities have to be skimmed off, and into the fire it goes again. This is process is repeated over and over until it is completely pure. This application is also applied to our hearts, our lives, our worship, our prayer life and it only ends in this life when we are no longer here but with the Lord forever. Thus the reason Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12,13 – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and do for His great pleasure.” (NKJV) Praise God, He will even give us new bodies that are not corrupted but will be incorruptible. (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)

Now, back to our study of the Ark of the Testimony.

The Ark was made out of acacia wood. Now remember, acacia wood was and is impervious to wood-eating insects and didn’t decay as other woods do. So this was a perfect choice of wood. Then it was to be thoroughly covered inside and out with pure gold. There are some awesome things to see here.

The first thing we see is this is a perfect symbol of the Lord Jesus in His deity and humanity. His deity is represented by the pure gold and His humanity is represented by the wood. So what we have is not just a wooden chest but also a gold chest. It’s not just a gold chest but a wooden chest. Notice there is no mingling of the two products. There is no blending. It is equally God (gold) and equally man (wood). Therefore the Ark is a type of Christ “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). We have here a picture of the Triune Godhead with the Ark. The gold on the outside represents God the Father. Gold on the inside is the Holy Spirit, and the Ark of Testimony made from the acacia wood and overlaid with gold – God the Son. How incredibly awesome is that? Oh Lord, open our eyes so we may see how You continue to reveal Yourself.

God required both gold and wood to maintain the symbolism pointing us to Christ as the God-man. In the bible there is no other symbol as simple as the ark that describes the union of God and man in one body. (Colossians 1:19; 2:19; John 14:1, 9; Colossians 1:15) Jesus is both God and man. What He did was either perfectly human or perfectly divine.

On the outside of the Ark we saw there was to be a molding of gold all around it, this was a crown of gold. There was also four gold rings to be attached to the four corners so there would be two on each side; and the two poles of acacia wood covered in gold were to be placed in the rings and left there always. Witness Lee said:

“…the ark and the table required four men to carry them. This points to the coordination of the Body of Christ… Second Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13 record how David brought the ark to Jerusalem, not borne by men but upon a mule cart. That displeased the Lord, and His anger was kindled (2 Samuel 6:7). From this, David learned a lesson. The next time the ark was moved, David realized that the divine way to carry the ark was not by a cart, but upon the shoulders of the Levites (1Cronicles 15:2, 13-15) for the testimony of the Body.” [1]

Hebrews 9:4 tells us what was inside of the Ark: the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Looking at these three things we see how they all pointed to Jesus Christ.

The golden pot of manna speaks of Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:48); Christ as the Life-giver (John 6:32, 35) and Christ as a prophet (John 1:1).

Aaron’s rod that budded speaks of Christ in resurrection (Numbers 17:8, 10); Christ as Priest, because the priesthood was established with Aaron’s budding rod (Numbers 17:8, 10); and Christ as Prophet who spoke for God before man (John 14:6).

Jesus speaks for God. He is Logos, the Word of God (John 1:1). He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8; 22:13), God’s final message to man.

The tablets of the covenant speak of the life Jesus lived on earth fulfilling the Law in all points and fulfilling the prophecies spoken of Him throughout the Old Testament. They speak of the kingship of Christ. He was born a King, lived a King and died a King, rose from the dead a King and He is returning a King.

Thus the Ark envisions Christ as having God’s law in His heart, Christ in resurrection and Christ as life sustainer. It also speaks of Christ as Prophet, Priest and King. (Revelation 11:19; John 1:14, John 1:1-2).

We have covered the Ark of the Testimony in some detail but we have yet to really turn our attention to the Mercy Seat. It is here where things get real exciting.

“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width. (Exodus 25:27 NKJV)

The first thing we see here is that is was a separate piece from the Ark, yet we shall see that it was a vital piece for man. The second thing we see is that it was the exact same width and length as the Ark; and like the Ark, it too was made of pure gold. The mercy seat was a lid or covering for the Ark.

Take moment with me and look at verses 21 and 22 of Exodus 25.

“You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel. (NKJV)

The Ark of the Covenant is a divine throne. It is God’s earthly throne. The mercy seat transforms that throne from a throne of judgment (law – the commandments He gave to Moses) into a throne of grace by the atoning blood that is sprinkled on it. (Leviticus 16:14) God’s mercy rests on God’s death (Jesus Christ dying for us). If there had been no plan for His death there would have been no possibility for mercy. Christ’s blood which is more precious than silver or gold – presented in heaven makes God’s throne the Mercy Seat. Therefore the mercy seat equals propitiation (Romans 3:25).

The meaning of propitiation is the appeasement of divine wrath by a sacrificial offering. At the heart of the gospel is the fact that if Christ did not bear the wrath of God that we deserved, then that wrath is still stored up for us. (Romans 2:8; 3:5; 5:9; 9:22; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 6:16-17)

The cherubim were made of hammered gold and fused to the mercy seat to make a single piece of metal. They faced each other – looking down on the mercy seat, looking down on the blood of Christ Jesus, with their wings stretched over the mercy. (1Kings 8:7; I Chronicles 28:18)

They represented guardianship of the holiness of God’s throne, above which was enthroned the Shekinah glory presence of the Lord. They protected the throne of God. (Hebrews 9:5; Psalm 80:1; Genesis 3:24; Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 6:1-3; Isaiah 37:16)

Because of the shed blood of Christ Jesus, He being our propitiation, we may boldly approach the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16)

We are not under the law, which is covered by the mercy seat (Romans 6:14), we are under grace, which is displayed by the cherubim’s outstretched wings. Here we are invited to come under the shadow of them. (Psalm 36:7; 17:8; 57:1; 91:4) And lest we forget, remember the two angels at Jesus’ tomb, “And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.” (John 20:12) NKJV (Emphasis is mine.) Mary Magdalene, the first to see Jesus after He had risen from the grave, first saw the mercy seat.

It is at the mercy seat where we meet with God. The mercy seat covered by the blood of our Christ, overshadowed by with outstretched wings of the cherubim.

Though this tabernacle and all it contains is but a shadow of what is in heaven, we can be assured that the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat are there, for Jesus Christ is the Ark of the Covenant and our Mercy Seat.

“whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.

“To demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:25-26 NKJV)

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 NKJV)

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[1] Lee, Witness, Spiritual Applications of the Tabernacle, Published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, CA 92804 USA, ©1987 Witness Lee (Pages 70-71)

THAT BLESSED HOPE

Several weeks ago I had read a sermon by Billy Sunday and there was a verse that stood out to me that caused me to study and write the article you are about to read. I want you to know I was totally clueless to the "prediction" in regards to Mr. Camping. I just "happened" to be reading classic sermons on the return of Christ. It wasn't until two days of the supposed "rapture" that was to take place, did I hear of it. I then tried to complete this article in order to post it that Saturday. But, I believe the Lord had other plans, as it didn't happen. 

I do believe that my great God and Savior will return one day. I do believe that day is more imminent than ever. However, I know that man is completely unable to say when that day will take place. Only our God knows. 

My prayer today for you, my beloved reader, is you will find yourself looking for our Blessed Hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Take comfort in knowing He will return for His Bride. 

And dear reader, if you haven't surrendered and submitted your heart and life to our Lord Jesus, I urge you to do so today. "Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) He will return. That is the truth. Will you be ready? 

As always, please feel free to leave a comment. If you have a prayer request, please let me know. It would be my joy to pray for you. May the Lord bless you!

That Blessed Hope

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13

Our headlines are filled with earthquakes, floods, wars, rumor of wars, nations rising against nations, children rising against parents, and it goes on.

We are looking at global financial uncertainty, industries failing, and the value of the dollar fading. And let’s not forget a deceitful government.

Where do we find hope in the face of our world crumbling and people making false predictions about the end of the world and when Jesus is suppose to return?

Where is our peace when we don’t have a job, we’re losing our home, and our children are hungry because we can’t buy food?

Where is our comfort when everything we own has washed away in the floods, and thousands of lives are gone due to an earthquake that rocked the earth off it’s axis and the tsunami that followed washed towns and communities out to sea?

Where is our joy when the bills are due, the truck’s is broke down and there just isn’t enough money to pay for it all?

Where is our rest when great personal calamity hits a family leaving the ones left with no income, no home and no one to help?

We can find our peace, comfort, joy, and rest in “that blessed hope.”

Not hope that our finances will change, because finances are always uncertain.

Nor do we find hope in our nation, family friends or jobs. Because nations rise and fall, family members die or move on. Friends come and go and well… we know the job market is precarious at best.

But we can, we can, find our hope in Christ Jesus.

Paul told Titus in his letter to him,

            “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” [Titus 2:11-13]

Now think about this with me; God knew before He created the heavens and the earth that not only would man need a Savior to save him from his sins and restore a right relationship between Himself and man; He also knew He would return a second time to get His Bride, the Church, and bring her back to heaven with Him.

Through His prophets, in the Bible, He told us over and over again how our Savior would be born of a virgin, in humble surroundings, He would live a sinless life (our Perfect Lamb), He would be beaten and bruised, He would die on a cross, and shed His blood for our sins (the Perfect Sacrifice). Then He would be buried and raised on the third day. After that He would go and prepare a place for us, His Bride.

In the New Testament, John 14:2-3, Jesus told the disciples,

            “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Therein lies our hope – The whole reason for Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, and ascension – So He can prepare a place for us, return for us and we can live with Him and worship our Father for all eternity.

God set the perfect time for Jesus to be born and to die. He said it would happen. And it did. He also said He would return. If God has said something is going to come to pass and we see that it has, then there is no reason to not believe that He is going to return. He is not man that He can lie.

Now when the disciples asked Him when He was going to return, He told them many things including to make sure no one deceived them (us), and that a lot of different things would happen before He returned (Matthew 24: 3-51). He also told them (us)

            “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13: 32)

He also said,

            “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” (Mark 13:33)

So to those who are listening to others proclaim they know when Jesus is returning, don’t be deceived. They do not know, only God knows and He ain’t telling!

So what do we do?

We look to our blessed hope, Christ Jesus. He is going to return again, God said, it, Jesus said it, not one time, but many times. Even the angels said He was going to return again, while the disciples were watching Jesus ascend to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9-11)

So where do we find our joy? James tells us -

            “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

And our peace is found in Jesus…

            “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you…’” (John 14:27-28a)

We will also find our rest in Him…

            “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

And we can take comfort and comfort one another with this…

            “For the Lord Himself with descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Oh people of the Lord, sing praises to His name! If that alone doesn’t make your heart sing with joy, then I don’t know what will.

While we are awaiting our Lord’s return, we are to also be prepared. That doesn’t mean we sell everything and find a spot to sit on and wait.  We are to “deny[ing] ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:12)

Just as Jesus went about doing His Father’s business (Luke 2:49), we are to do the same. If God has called you to preach His word, then preach. If He has called you to teach, teach. If you are called to be a housewife and mother, praise the Lord, be one that glorifies His name. In all that you do, do it for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

But in all that you do, do it soberly, righteously and godly. What does it mean to live soberly, righteously and godly? After studying I found a commentator who gives, in what I think, the best explanation. This is from The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible (Search God's Word)

Titus 2:12

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present
world;
not, only "temperately", but wisely and prudently, as children of the light, on whom, and into whom the Gospel has shined; and "righteously" among men, giving to every man his due, and dealing with all according to the rules of equity and justice; as being made new men, created unto righteousness and true holiness; and as being dead to sin, through the death of Christ, and so living unto righteousness, or in a righteous manner; and as being justified by the righteousness of Christ, revealed in the Gospel: and "godly"; in a godly manner, according to the Word of God, and agreeably to the will of God; and in all godly exercises, both public and private, and to the glory of God: and that as long as

in this present world:
which lies in wickedness, and in which there are so many strong temptations to a contrary way of living. The Gospel then is no licentious doctrine; it is according to godliness, and teaches and promotes it; it is an holy faith, yea, a most holy faith; wherefore it is a vile slander to charge it with leading to looseness of life and conversation.

So in other words, we are to live as though Christ Jesus will return any moment. We are not to live ashamed of the gospel of Christ, nor in a manner that would cause us to be ashamed to stand before our Lord and Master. If we have submitted to our Savior then He should be most important in all that we do, say, and live. Our lives should be salt in the earth, the light of Christ in this dark world, the sweet fragrance of the Rose of Sharon, drawing all unto Him.

How I weep, for my spirit yearns to see Him face to face, more each day. Yet, I will and urge all who long to see Him, to do as James said,

            “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and later rain. You also be patient. Establish your heart, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7-8)

We can take comfort in knowing our Lord returns soon. It may be today, tomorrow or yet years from now. Only God knows. But we can know that He will return. The Bible tells us it will happen, just as it told us of His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension.

So in these times of trials, in these times of uncertainty, let us continue to “look[ing] for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen!

 

The Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)

To get this blog started I decided to post one of my favorite teachings on one of my favorite Psalms. I shared this particular teaching on my Words from the Heart blog. But I thought I would present it here as well. It's still sound biblical teaching and it's still meaningful. Read it, chew on it and ask the Good Shepherd to speak to you, as He makes you to lay down in the green pastures and leads you beside the still waters.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

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; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

 
This psalm is one that we all are familiar with. We read it at a lot of funerals and death beds. It is a psalm that is linked quite often with death and dying. It was even read at my mother’s “going home” celebration.

But when David wrote this psalm, he wasn’t dying. Yes he was in hiding from his enemies. But David was very much alive.

This psalm is a picture of Jesus Christ as the Great Shepherd in Resurrection. This psalm is about complete trust in that Great Shepherd, and peaceful confidence in Him, no matter what happens.

There was another man in the Bible who had complete trust in the Lord – Job. He told his “friends,” ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him,’ Job 13:15

And like Job, David knew that the Lord was his Salvation (Psalm 27:1; 118:13), and his Redeemer (Psalm 19:14; 31:5). Even though in Psalm 22 he cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” He could still say, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

We know a shepherd is someone who tends sheep. A shepherd takes care of the sheep, looks for the lost ones, protects them, guides them and cares for them.

David was saying the Lord leads me; He’s the one who guides me, cares for me, feeds me and protects me. He provides for me. Therefore I shall not want. I lack nothing. He has taken care of my every need.

Jesus the Good Shepherd went one step further; He gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

In verse two David talks about lying down in green pastures and being lead beside still waters.

The green pastures are a picture of good eating. The Shepherd leads the sheep to the green, young and tender grass that is full of the needed things to help the sheep grow. The fact that the sheep will lie down represents their trust in the Shepherd. To the Christian the green pasture is the Word of God. It is full of good eating to give the Christian what is needed to help us grow. And if we will trust Him and allow Him to, He will lead us daily to the best grazing so we will be filled each day.

“….He leads me beside the still waters.” Or another way of saying it would be, He leads me beside the waters of rest; the refreshing, restoring waters of the Holy Spirit.

Each day the Lord leads us to a place of rest; a place where our battle weary worn hearts are restored; a place where waves of calm, cool rest wash our souls and purify our bruised spirits. Everywhere water is mentioned like this, it is the Holy Spirit.

“He restores my soul…” He refreshes, rescues, revives, and relieves my soul. We need our soul restored daily. Jesus said, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give your rest.” Matthew 11:28. That verse is not just meant for the lost, it is meant also for His children, who labor and get heavy laden.

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake…” I Samuel 2:9 says, “He will guard the feet of his saints,” and Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”

It is for His name’s sake that He leads us in the paths of righteousness. Not ours. He leads us where we would never choose to go. But because He is our Good Shepherd we can trust Him, He knows what the best paths are. A sheep, if left to its own way would take a path that would lead to its destruction. But the Good Shepherd sees the dangers that lie ahead and therefore He is able to guide His flock onto the paths that lead to the green pastures and restoring waters.

The beginning of verse four in this psalm says, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

Pay close attention to these words. David didn’t say, ‘though I walk through the valley of death,’ he didn’t say, ‘though I run, or crawl, or whine, or moan and complain, or murmur.’ He said, “Yea [yes]! Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

He said it with confidence. He was confident in spite of the trouble around him. With confidence he could and did walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He knew it was only shadows! And he knew he could walk through those shadows no matter how scary they seemed.

We can walk with that same confidence. Our troubles are just that, troubles; troubles that change like the shadows on a wall change when light enters the room. What happens when light comes into a room full of shadows? They disappear. Who is the light that comes into a room? Jesus Christ.

Why could David walk with such confidence? Why can we? Because he knew who was with him, “For You are with me.” The Lord was with him every step of the way. The Lord is with us every step of the way, as well; no matter how deep and dark that valley may seem. He is there, guiding each step.

David goes on to say, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” It was a comfort to him to know that the Lord would reach out His rod to correct him and He would use His staff to protect him.

The rod is the Word of God. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

The staff is the Holy Spirit, for protection, He is our Protection. The Holy Spirit was sent to us, to not only comfort us, but to teach us and guide us. David could say they were a comfort to him, because he had confidence that the Lord had his best interests in His heart.

In verse five, David tells us, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” In the presence of our enemies, while the battle rages all around us, the Lord sustains us. He says come child, sit down here, eat, drink, let Me fill you with My strength, with My Spirit. I have made sure that you lack nothing. Sit down here, rest, restore yourself in My Word, and replenish your spirit with My Spirit. Rest and I will go fight the enemy of your soul, because the battle belongs to Me, says the Lord of Hosts.

The Lord has prepared a table for you in the presence of your enemies. It does not matter what the trouble is, whatever the circumstances. The Word of God says, “We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

David continues the verse, “You anoint my head with oil; my cups runs over.” The second verse of Psalm 133 states, “it is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments…”

When the Lord told Moses to anoint Aaron, Moses poured the anointing oil from the rams’ horn. Moses didn’t just sprinkle Aaron with this oil. He poured it over his head, until he was covered in it. The oil covered Aaron’s head (so he could have the mind of Christ), his eyes (so he could be able to see God), his ears (so he could hear God), his mouth (so he could speak the words of God), over his chest, his heart (so he would have the heart of God and love His people), down his arms, his hands (to do the work of God), down his legs, his feet (so he would follow God), over the edge of his garments.

The Lord would have us filled each day with His Holy Spirit. He would have our cup not be half full, but overflowing; so we can stand before our enemy – not in fear, but with the confidence of the Lord, knowing that the battle belongs to Him and He has already won!

And now, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Mercy – the unfailing covenant of God. This loving kindness is like the New Testament word ‘grace.’ “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” David is saying that he knows the goodness and grace of God, the covenant love of God will beyond a shadow of doubt, be with him all the days of his life. He knew it, he didn’t question it. Because he knew his God was a covenant-keeping God. David might be unfaithful, but His God was always faithful. He had complete trust that God would be there, always.

“…I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” David said in Psalm 122, “I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord.” He also said, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4.

David was actually saying, ‘to be in His presence all the days of my life, forever.’ The Good Lord wants us to be in His presence every day, every hour because He is our Good Shepherd and we are His sheep.