Rod and Staff

Psalm 23:4a,  "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

      These two pieces, the rod and the staff, have been the standard equipment for shepherds for generations.  The rod is a club which was specially selected and shaped to fit a shepherd's own hand and size and strength.  The shepherd then practiced until he could throw the rod with great accuracy.  This was his defensive weapon to protect both himself and his sheep.  He also used it to correct any wandering sheep that insisted on straying away.  The rod was an instrument of the shepherd's power and authority.

      The rod represents God's Word, which expresses His will and carries His authority.  We find great comfort in knowing there are absolute truths and standards which God expects us to believe and obey.

  God's instructions to us are clear and straight forward, eliminating confusion and uncertainty.  It is also reassuring to know that when we disobey God's commands, He will use His Word to reprove us, correct us, and set our feet back on the right path.

      God's Word also reminds us of God's power to protect us as well as direct us.  Time and time again we can use God's Word to deflect the assaults of our enemies just as Jesus used it during His temptation experience.  Three times he told Satan,  "It is written," and quoted Scripture.  The Word of God is the Christian's offensive weapon, our rod to protect us, direct us, and comfort us.

Father, Thank You for Your Word and all that it tells us and does for us.  May we believe it, obey it, and use it.  Amen.