Tag Archives: Psalm 23

When the Spirit of Life is Released

When my mother’s father passed away, my family was right by his side. As my sister Cindy read to my grandfather Psalm 23, his breathing began to decrease. For the first and only time in my life so far, I witnessed the Spirit of Life being released. While the world refers to this process as death, for those who have made reservations for heaven, 1 John 5:12-13, this physical body is replaced with an eternal spirit.

The days of Abraham’s life were 175 years. Then Abraham’s spirit was released, and he died at a good (ample, full) old age, an old man, satisfied and satiated, and [a]was gathered to his people, Genesis 25:7-8.

According to Jesus’ earthly brother, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, James 4:13-15. If it was up to me, I’ll stick around until my boys have grandchildren and I’ll be there to walk Lydia down the aisle at her wedding, if it’s God’s will for her to be married. Unfortunately, I don’t have the script of my life so I’ll have to take life one day at a time to see what happens next.

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb again and be born? Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [[a]even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God, John 3:3-5.

From a spiritual perspective, Jesus spoke of being born again. One Pharisee thought Jesus was joking so Nicodemus responds with sarcasm. Following this brief exchange, Nicodemus doesn’t say another word, listening to the words of John 3:16-17. John brings this up in another letter, urging first century Christian’s to make your eternal reservations in heaven before your spirit of life is released, 1 John 5:12-13.

by Jay Mankus

Trust vs. Want

I’ve heard Psalm 23 read several times at funerals that I’ve attended.  However, this morning the first verse struck a cord within my heart.  “I shall not be in want,” jumped off the pages at me as if God was trying to get my attention.  Will I trust the Lord to fully provide for my needs or will wants inside my sinful nature force me to take back control of my life?

The prophet Isaiah makes another comparison with sheep, claiming each person have moments in life when they reject their shepherd, turning toward their own way, Isaiah 53:6.  While the great shepherd is patient, stubbornness has driven many far from green pastures.  Instead of relying on shepherd’s crook to get back on track, selfish steers countless toward a path of destruction, Matthew 7:13

Nonetheless, the words of Jesus in Luke 15:11-16 are much closer to reality than the average person wants to admit.  If only I could came to my senses, then I would hand over the keys to my lord.  Yet, a long Christmas list of wants has brought me to a spiritual pig pen, stuck in the mud of empty promises of this world.  May the rod of the great shepherd knock some sense into you before another innocent victim enters the grave.  I pray that the valley of the shadow of death will prompt you to trust Jesus, yielding your wants on earth for a greater cause, Luke 15:7.

by Jay Mankus

From One Shepherd to Another

The older you get in life, your chances increase that someone close to you will die.  Thus, most people will attend a funeral at sooner or later.  One of the most common passages read during funerals is Psalm 23, often quoting the entire chapter.  When my mom’s father passed away several years ago in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, my family was at his side as he breathed his last breath.  My sister Cindy, read to him Psalm 23:1-6 over and over again to ease his pain.

According to 1 Samuel 16:11, David was a shepherd boy, tending his father’s sheep.  In Psalm 23, David uses imagery, possibly recounting his own experience as God’s Spirit inspired him to write about a heavenly shepherd.  Knowing the daily requirements of a seasoned shepherd, David pours out his heart, placing his faith in God’s hand.  Meanwhile, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved shares a similar account in chapter 10 of his gospel.  John quotes Jesus in 17 of the first 18 verses, explaining there is only one way into heaven, through the gate of the Shepherd, who know and follow his voice.

In reality, human beings are dumb creatures like sheep, like the blind leading the blind.  When things are going well, its easy to navigate through life, whether you have a GPS or not.  However, as you encounter canyons, valleys or wastelands, relying on a shepherd may be the difference between life and death.  When push comes to shove or where faith meets fire, who will you call to come to your aide?  From One shepherd to another, come back to the pen before its too late, John 10:17.  The Great Shepherd is calling you home, retreat now to be by his side, Psalm 23:6.

by Jay Mankus