“…your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The Good Shepherd uses a rod and a staff. The staff can be used for discipline and direction like the rod, but the staff has some characteristics that can shed more light on our Shepherd.
One way to look at the staff is that it connects the shepherd with the sheep. It is used by the shepherd for leaning on while watching the flock. This communicates several things to the sheep. First, when a shepherd or anyone leans on their staff it means they are staying. It communicates to the sheep that he is there for the duration. this is his home. He is making himself comfortable. It is just another way of showing the sheep and anyone who sees…He is our Shepherd. Many times in the Scriptures we are told that God does great things that people may know that He is God and…specifically…He is our God…Our good Shepherd.
Second, when a shepherd leans on his staff he is letting the sheep know that he is comfortable and everything is ok. If my shepherd is comfortable then I am comfortable. It may be easier to understand from the opposite viewpoint. If my shepherd is anxious then i am anxious. Animals can sense when their masters are alarmed about something. Those who have pets experience this in our homes. If we are pacing about the house or visibly upset about something, our pets will respond with anxiety. If the Shepherd is leaning on the staff He is comfortable and at ease. Therefore, we (the sheep) can also relax because the Master is at ease.
The staff is also used by the Shepherd to protect the sheep when the dangers do come. The rod was used to correct the sheep but the staff was used as a weapon of defense against wolves or other preditors. We can take comfort in the fact that our shepherd is not only “willing” to protect us, but fully “equipped” to do it. We are far too familiar with those who make promises that they cannot keep or are incapable of keeping. We have the assurance that our Good Shepherd is always victorious in defending us. David in another Psalm says,
“In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)
Oh, dearest sheep, our Good Shepherd leans on His staff because He is comfortable watching over you. Things are well and you can be comforted. And…if by chance trouble arises…be not afraid…He can take care of it.
Allow God’s rod and staff to comfort you today!