Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

THE VALLEY OF DEATH. . . OR . . . IT’S SHADOW

Leaving the gaudy lights of the sin-laden city of Las Vegas, Nev. the bucket list of things to see in California began with nearby Death Valley. A very early start assured that awesome, below sea level, desert would be behind us before the unbearable heat of the day prevailed. Early morning temps in the 90’s bathed the contents of the forbidden place in coolness before the thermometer climbed to near 120 degrees.

The valley is appropriately named. Here, the challenge of life for all plants and animals is truly formidable.Travelers who enter there flippantly and without caution may keenly regret it. I remarked to our family, “I hope you noticed that we are the only ones on this highway, and have been for many miles.” Still, the trip through the valley was most rewarding. The early morning sun brought out brilliant colors in the dry, nude hills. The formation of rocks, mountains, and sand dunes yielded to prepared travelers a sense of pleasant wonder, joy, and praise for its uniqueness in the handiwork of the Almighty. However, for the unprepared traveler, the valley held horrible misery and potential death in its harsh and unrelenting environment.

In its day to day testimony of nature’s speech and knowledge, it portrays another Valley of Death that is universal to natural man. The Hebrew letter in the New Testament forthrightly declares, “ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:27-28.

Readers should make no mistake about it. There is a trip through the Valley of Death, or the shadow of that valley for everyone. But those who have received the cross work of Jesus in repentance from sin, and faith in His substitutionary sacrifice for them have no fear in their heart of that journey. In fact, this is one journey Jesus made Himself for all who trust in Him. So appropriately did the Psalmist declare: “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.” Friends, there is a huge difference between entering that valley prepared as opposed to being unprepared. The difference is life or death forever. Think about it! How will you make that trip which no man may decline?

FOR THOUGHT: Death is universal, uncertain as to time, but certain for everyone. So, what journey will you take? Will it be the valley of death or the shadow of the valley of death? Faith in Christ Jesus will determine the difference? Are you saved, thus safe, in Him? When did you first trust Him with all your heart? Can you recall that experience?