King David penned the beautiful and well-known Psalm 23. Most people can recite a verse or two by heart. The danger of just going through the motions of reading a familiar passage, is that we do not think what we are reading about. It is just an automated action and not the life-giving words it ought to be for our soul and spirit. For instance, ponder Ps. 23:4 “Your rod and your staff they comfort me.” A rod and staff don’t exactly suggest a warm, cozy, fuzzy feeling of comfort, or do they?
Let's look at a shepherd's rod. It was a natural symbol of authority and power. It could be used as a weapon of defence and to correct and discipline the sheep. The rod was used to count sheep as they passed under the rod. It portrays a picture of close contact with the shepherd. Ezekiel 20:37 "I will take note of you as you pass under My rod and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant." The shepherd's rod was also used to push back the wool to inspect the skin for any injury and to remove thorns, ticks, or anything else stuck in the wool. Now this does bring comfort, knowing that the shepherd is up close and personal, taking note of you.
The shepherd's staff was used for support and to guide the sheep. It could rescue and lift sheep out of a ditch or pull those back going astray. The staff represents concern, compassion, kindness and intimate help.
Thus, the rod and staff are both necessary for a herdsman to responsibly lead and protect the flock.
This makes Yeshua the perfect Shepherd, because He knows how to lovingly use the "rod" and "staff" in flawless balance. Stand before your Shepherd today and allow Him to closely examine you so that you can be in right standing with your Creator. "See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Ps. 139:24. Prov. 3:11-12 "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves." Now is the time to get your life in order and align it with the Word. Obey the Shepherd and allow him to show you where you have hidden sins in your heart. Repent. Forgive.
May the Holy Spirit teach us all personally to embrace the beauty of the comfort of His rod and staff. What a privilege to know Jehova Roi – the One who sees me He is truly Jehova Ra'ah – the Shepherd that leads, feeds, tends and protects His flock.
John 10:11 "I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
May you take comfort from these encouraging words in Ezekiel 34 depicting the perfect Shepherd. For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I Myself will search for My sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries and I will bring them into their own land. I will tend them in good pasture. They will lie down in good grazing land and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I Myself will tend My sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd my flock with justice.
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