This Side of the Grave
For such is God, our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death. Psalm 48:14 NASB
Guide – Do you notice the paradox in this verse? First it proclaims that God is our God olam va’ed (forever and ever). Then it declares that He will guide us al-moot (to death). Did you notice that there is no indication about heaven, an after-life, eternity or a God who takes us to another realm? God directs us until we die. We follow His instructions on this side of the grave. Then . . . ???? The psalmist offers no picture of what happens next. Even though God is our God olam va-ed, the message ends at death.
Of course, one verse doesn’t make a doctrine (hopefully), but it does demonstrate that the Hebrew concept of a heavenly existence doesn’t play much of a role in life’s purpose. What matters is guidance now, here in this realm. What matters is what we do on this side of the grave. All the rest is shrouded in mystery. So the emphatic word here is nahag (yenahagenoo – he will guide us). In order to appreciate this particular word, we need a concrete picture. Nahag is typically about driving animals. The animals might go willingly or unwillingly, but they go nevertheless. In one sense, we could say that a shepherd guides his sheep, but the reality is that he drives them to places he knows are beneficial. He leads with a stick. That’s why we find the same verb describing driving chariots (Exodus 14:25) and God driving a strong wind (Exodus 10:13) or taking away people by force (Isaiah 20:4). Do you get the picture? God’s guidance isn’t always friendly suggestion. God isn’t a therapist. He’s a king and His subjects must follow His directions. He will see to it.
With this in mind, it’s not too surprising that nahag has another meaning. You can find this second meaning in Nahum 2:7. Nahag also mean “to sob, to lament.” When God drives, it often results in sobbing and lamenting, doesn’t it? When God guides, we often experience regret, remorse and tears. That’s part of being driven to His purposes. It’s a part we should expect and not disdain. Like sheep, we have all gone astray. Sometimes it takes the shepherd’s staff to get us back in line. “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” Really? I think that most of the time we find that the rod and the staff are painful. Only upon deep reflection do we realize that this kind of pain is an expression of God’s care – and that comforts us.
God is our God olam va-ed. We aren’t going to get away from His nahag anytime soon. In fact, nahag will be with us until death. So get used to it. This side of the grave, God guides. I don’t expect that much will change in this regard on the other side, but since the psalmist doesn’t provide me with any information about the other side, I am content to know that this side is enough for now.
How about you? Are you experiencing God’s rod and staff guidance? How does that feel?
Topical Index: guide, nahag, Psalm 48:14
‘How about you? Are you experiencing God’s rod and staff guidance? How does that feel?’
A deep settled sense of gratitude and thankfulness; nahag even unto death… yes, on this side indeed – even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we need fear no evil…; and since the hand using the rod and the staff is the hand of our Father, we are assured of the loving intent and purpose – to bring us to mature sonship…
Thank you Skip.
“How about you? Are you experiencing God’s rod and staff guidance? How does that feel?”
Not that good.
I was kind of hoping God would do magic for me and undo the consequences of some of my choices. It looks like I’m going to have to reap what I’ve sown, both good and not so good.
Yes, in this world the consequences always follow, unless God has a different route in mind. But never fear, He makes His purpose prevail in every set of circumstances. That why the rod and the staff comfort.
I am with Daniel it is not so good.
I hear your heart Daniel about the reaping and sowing, we can repent but that does not
change the consequences….
I wish I could undo many things.
…but……if we do not feel the rod and the staff, then it says we are not one of
His. He disciplines those who are His. That can be a comfort as well.
Shalom
That’s why we never shrink back from “driving” HIS message home to those whom HE has sent us – even under/through persecution – we do not shrink back just as HE does not shrink back either.
Thy rod & thy staff they comfort me & PROTECT me from many dangers & toils – too numerous to mention or even understand or be aware of – i have come to believe what i have heard/read for many years now that nothing can get to us unless first sifted through HIS hands – HE allows the testing, trials to keep us in the herd & on the path to His benefit(s) for us.
Sheep may be perceived as dumb but loved greatly by their Shepherd – I am my Beloveds & He is mine…
jan
“God directs us until we die. We follow His instructions on this side of the grave. Then . . . ????”
“al-moot (to death)”
Hmmm
Anything that happens “thereafter” would be what they call a “moot point.”
After all, my mother taught at a very early age to:
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream
Maybe death is a lot like life ????
We will all find out, won’t we?
Well hope it’s later rather than sooner 🙂
@Skip & @Michael – i hope death is much more than this life because i have been looking forward to leaving this old world behind – something has to be better than this in Christ. Life is hard & by the sweat of our brow(s) but i have always looked forward to going “home” & my citizenship being elsewhere – something far beyond my/our comprehension as we are told in His Word(s) – beyond all we can imagine & i’m sure also that it is “good”… ♥
jan
“i have been looking forward to leaving this old world behind”
Hi Jan,
I know how you feel, but I think the “key” is to stay focused on the here and now (presence of God)
Deep down I think your thoughts above do not bring peace of mind
For me they actually create anxiety
On the other hand, trying to reconcile the concept of the Messiah ben David with Messiah ben Josef
Makes me feel good 🙂
Michael,
for you – my words may not bring peace but for others they also understand & probably feel the same way – “deep down for you they do not bring peace of mind & create anxiety” – i’m not sure i understand that statement or your thoughts on such??? I also am waiting upon HIM to fulfill certain things in my life while on/in this world but my peace is in HIM & being with HIM here/now & there where all is perfect with the perfect ONE. Anxiety is an emotion made by God but perhaps not one in regard to being with HIM – perhaps in waiting upon HIM to answer prayer or come for us or deliver us from evil or fight or flight response – i’m sure the emotion was created for a reason.
And trying to reconcile the concept of the Messiah ben David with Messiah ben Josef is totally foreign to me – i don’t understand what you are saying??? Can you please explain this to me???
i think we on this earth don’t think about what is in/the here after – heaven – being with HIM & how what we do here will affect what happens there – yes, this world & our life here is a means to an end or should i say/state/type a beginning… ♥
perhaps i am to heavenly to be any earthly good (but i doubt it)… 🙂
jan
Perhaps after death there will no longer be a need for guidance. As I recall, I think that I heard a sermon one time that made just that point: that we will come into all Truth without any deception.