“Beside Still Waters” An Appreciation of our Old Testament Window

“Beside Still Waters”

An Appreciation of our Old Testament Window

by Dr. John A. Dalles

We are on safe ground when we say that the most beloved passage in the entire Old Testament is Psalm 23.  It is the Psalm to which we turn at every point in our faith journey, whenever we long for a reminder of God’s matchless love.

And we are never disappointed.  For, in the lines of Psalm 23 we find a profoundly moving hymn of praise, about the presence and loving-kindness of God, expressed in a word picture about a Good Shepherd and the sheep.  The psalmist understands our human condition, knowing that we are as fragile and in need of care as a small lamb.  So, we read immortal lines about the truth that God provides all the strength, protection and love that we need: 

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.”

-        Psalm 23:1 & 2

Just think of it!—the blessedness and joy of being led by Almighty God.  What could be better than to be brought by God into hidden places of refreshment and renewal, safety and security, peace and promise—for this day, and forevermore.  No wonder the overwhelming sense of this window—as in the Psalm—is one of trust.  Notice how the rosy hues of early morning cast their glow across the skies.  See how the sheep gather close beside their Shepherd.  How lovingly they look at Him.  How thankfully they bend to find a cooling drink, or a tender blade of grass, or a moment of respite.

And look at the little lamb the Good Shepherd holds so tenderly in His arms.  The lamb represents all who depend upon Jesus—so put yourself there, in His encircling love.  The lamb recognizes and trusts the Good Shepherd.  And so do we.  We know Him to be Jesus.  Even though this is a window based upon the most beloved passage in the Old Testament, it also points us to the assurance of the New Testament.  For, throughout the New Testament we find Jesus telling His followers that His relationship to us is that of a Good Shepherd to his flock.  As the old hymn says:

“The King of love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am His

And He is mine for ever.”

          

  So, bask in the presence of the Good Shepherd.  Christ’s life-giving grace is with us, to lead us and guide us in all our paths.

            The window’s theme, “Beside Still Waters,” is a fitting reference to the name of our congregation. Twenty-five years ago, when this new congregation was just being formed, there was a question about what to call it.  The ultimate choice was “Wekiva Presbyterian Church.”  Those of us who live in this area have learned that “Wekiva” is a Native American term used to describe the “still waters” of our local river.  (And that if the one letter is changed from “v” to “w” it means “sweet” or “living” water).  The installation of our Old Testament window completes the Biblical allusions to dearly loved passages that are now represented in glorious lines and colors, to inspire all who worship or seek God’s presence in our Sanctuary.  How grateful we are for all who have made this lasting witness possible.