The Shepherd's Staff

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

      The shepherd's staff is a unique tool.  No one in any other profession uses a shepherd's crook, and the staff is not used for any animal other than sheep.

      There are at least three areas of use for the shepherd's staff. 

First, a shepherd sometimes uses his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and return it to its mother if they are separated.  Second, the shepherd uses the staff to draw individual sheep to himself.  Third, the staff is used to guide the sheep along a desired path or through a gate.  Interestingly, the shepherd lays the tip of the staff against the side of a sheep and presses it gently to show the sheep which way the shepherd wants it to go.  Phillip Keller comments,  "Sometimes I have been fascinated to see how a shepherd will actually hold his staff against the side of some sheep that is a special pet or favorite, simply so that they are "in touch"!  They will walk along this way almost as though it were "hand in hand".

      You may have guessed by now that the shepherd's staff is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.  It is God's Holy Spirit Who prompts us and guides us by nudging us gently to walk in the paths of righteousness.  The Holy Spirit is not only our Guide but also our Comforter, Our Teacher, and our constant Companion.  His ministry in our lives draws us to our Heavenly Father and keeps us close to Him. 

What peace and comfort, what a sense of protection and provision and well-being, we have from the constant presence and over-flowing love and care from our Father through His Spirit within us!

Father, how we thank You for Your indwelling Spirit Who will never leave nor forsake us.  Amen