Friday, April 22, 2011

As for Me, the Lord Has Led Me Down a Journey

Road Trip ~ eastern Sierras or eastern Jerusalem ~ Death Valley

As I prepared to write about my journey to Death Valley National Park, it occurred to me that it is Easter weekend and someone far greater than me took a journey to death valley before me.  I am speaking of Christ's journey through the valley that separates two very important hills in Jerusalem ~ to the east is the garden of Gethsemane and to the west is the Jewish Temple.  This valley  ~ the Kidron Valley ~ is often called the valley of death because tombs are located there.  It was the valley that Jesus crossed between the garden and the cross.



Jesus had journeyed many times before Easter weekend to Gethsemane to pray and be alone with His heavenly Father, but this time it would be different.  This time He would enter that garden knowing full well that it was the beginning of the end of His earthy journey.  He would be arrested from that very spot, betrayed, humiliated and finally crucified.   In His humanity, Jesus prayed an incredibly poignant prayer, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."  (Luke 22:42)  In His obedience, He walked through the valley of death so that we may have life.  He knew that despite great suffering, God had prepared better things on the other side.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even 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 overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

(Psalm 23)











1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your journey...take all of it in and Enjoy!