Bethany Baptist Church had visitors at the Wednesday evening prayer meeting. Jonathan Williams, missionary on deputation for Central America, sang a couple of songs first in English and then in Spanish. His father, Bill Williams, long-time missionary to Mexico, gave his testimony and preached for us. Jonathan was to be married this weekend in Arkansas and his parents had come for his wedding. Jonathan was born while his parents were on the mission field. Jonathan’s father, Bill, was just a young child when his parents became missionaries in Mexico.
Norma Stillings sang a special song Sunday morning. Darlene Sorensen sang a special song Sunday evening. Pastor Bob Sorensen’s message Sunday morning was “Through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Death is certain. Everyone has an appointment with death unless the Lord comes back first. It has been said that there is a time for every purpose under the sun, a time to be born and a time to die. Part of the mystery of death is that we do not know when death will occur. It is best to be clear of sin and not harbor unforgiveness toward anyone.
There is comfort while walking in the shadow of impending death if we walk with the Good Shepherd. Our comfort rests in knowing and trusting the shepherd who is leading us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. We need not be afraid of the darkness of death for Jesus has promised that he would never leave nor forsake his own. We know that there is no darkness when God is with you, because God is Light.
Our shepherd has conquered death. Jesus has already been through the shadow of death and knows the way through to the other side. We are following the One who has suffered death. He was put into a tomb, but he came out again. He has the keys to death and hell and the grave is not the end.
For a Christian, death only casts a shadow. Thinking about death may cause a feeling of gloom, but it may also cause a person to consider being saved or if he is saved it may cause him to walk a little better. Thinking about death and hell may motivate us to warn those we love to seek the Good Shepherd.
