“The people cried loudly as David's followers left. The king crossed Kidron Brook, followed by his men, and together they went out toward the wilderness.” (2Samuel 15:23)
Kidron Brook, Valley of Kidron or Cedron has been associated as the place of darkness, sorrow, judgement or death in the Bible. It’s just outside of Jerusalem before the Mount of Olives and evidently had a public burying ground. It was there that King Josiah orders the priests to take the objects used in worship to Baal, the goddess Asherah and the stars to be burned and its ashes scattered over the public burying ground. (2 Kings 23:4-6) King Asa and King Hezekiah also removed idols to Kidron. (1 Kings 15:13, 2 Chronicles 29:16; 30:14) This was the place King David had to cross leaving Jerusalem when his own son Absalom overtook it. (2 Samuel 15:23) Jesus more than likely passed through this valley many times. It’s recorded that He passed it on the way to the garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. (John 18:1)
We all have a Kidron Brook we must pass over. Not even King David, nor our own King of Kings were spared passing over the Kidron Brook. “"If the world hates you, just remember that it has hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'Slaves are not greater than their master.' If people persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours too. But they will do all this to you because you are Mine; for they do not know the One who sent Me.” (John 15:18-21)
It’s hard to reflect on these verses. There are some that believe that because we belong to Jesus we will be spared sorrow and affliction. While it’s true we have victory in every situation, it may not be the victory we had decided we wanted, but it’s the victory where the Lord is exalted. And each and every time, before the victory, we have to pass over the Kidron Brook. “"No pupil is greater than his teacher; no slave is greater than his master. So a pupil should be satisfied to become like his teacher, and a slave like his master. If the head of the family is called Beelzebul, the members of the family will be called even worse names!” (Matthew 10:24-25) Jesus told His disciples not to expect any better treatment than He received from the world.
Are we granted protection? Yes, many Scriptures tell of God’s protection from evil, from harm, from danger. But one has to be in a place of evil, harm and danger to be protected from it. There is no need of protection if there is not the possibility of being in a place of evil, harm and danger.
But what is God’s command to us in every situation? It’s to “fear not.” “Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” (Isaiah 41:10) From the Old Testament to the end, the Lord tells us not to fear. He commands us to be in peace and hope in every situation. “I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to Me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!" (John 16:33) We don’t throw in the towel because of the situation. We have hope. “Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
As we cross the Kidron Brook, don’t lose hope. Know God is near. He has not abandoned us. We have His Promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He is with us every step of the way. “Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep His promise.” (Hebrews 10:23)
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