Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4b
Sometimes late at night my daughter will wake up scared. She will come toward our bedroom screaming and crying. We have to take her in our arms, lead her back to her bed and assure her everything is ok. She then normally lays back down and falls fast asleep. She trusts us to protect her from harm; she just needs a gentle nudge to reassure her we are still watching over her.
The Shepherd walks with his sheep with His staff and His rod in hand. With the one He directs His sheep; nudging them gently yet firm, stinging them slightly if He must to keep them on the right path. With the other He protects them from any incoming dangers. Should a savage wolf become brave enough to launch toward one of the sheep, he will find himself face-to-face with the Shepherds rod. The wolf will run off moaning and weeping if he can run off at all. The Shepherd is gentle and caring to His sheep, while brutal and unrelenting to those who would do them harm.
As Christians we know both our Shepherd’s rod and His staff. We have felt the loving sting of His staff; chastising us and redirecting our path. With love He guides us and corrects us as needs be; and while not immediate, we are grateful. At the same time we take comfort in knowing we are protected by the unwavering and unfathomable power of His rod. His promises are sure not only because He does not change, but because no one can change Him. No enemy can stand against the power of the Shepherds rod. No one can take even a single sheep from His fold, He is always on guard and His power is steadfast.
Will you wonder aimlessly and defenseless to those who would do you harm? Will you choose to go your own way that will ultimately lead to your demise? Or will you accept the invitation to come under the power and protection of the Shepherd? Jesus Christ has paid all the fees and taken care of all the fine print needed to take you into His fold. Accept or deny; the choice is up to you.
