EPISODE 263 – HIS ROD AND HIS STAFF 2

Friday 13th October, 2023

HIS ROD AND HIS STAFF 2

” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

One of the profound picturesque of our spiritual and practical relationship with the LORD is portrayed in this:

“YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF THEY COMFORT ME”

This reveals how as a sheep you experience comfort; which is to dispel grief and fear even when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

The Lord who is the Good Shepherd is the God of all comfort. He is the one who comforts you (Isaiah 51:12).

He is the Lord who proclaims comfort to His people in the face of adversity.

“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.” (Isaiah 40:2).

It is not really about the challenge which confronts you. The question is:

WHO IS YOUR SHEPHERD?

Though the Rod is an important tool to the Shepherd, its relevance and impact is dependent on the HEART OF THE SHEPHERD.

A shepherd who doesn’t care or is even scared and unskilled wouldn’t know how to wield the rod. He will run for his life when the wild animals attack.

But with the LORD (Your Good Shepherd), even when you doubt His defence, HE REMAINS FAITHFUL. He is the STRONG AND MIGHTY ONE!

The LORD is Himself the spring of comfort. His comfort spurts through His ROD AND STAFF.

Some assume that the Rod and the Staff are of the same Hebrew word and have the same meaning. They may be similar in meaning but have their uniqueness.

The Rod (is from the Hebrew word shêbeţ) doesn’t only mean a thick stick with a knob (like a club). It is the same word for SCEPTER.

A king uses a scepter to imbue power and authority. Kings are also seen as shepherds.

Thus, the Rod is an instrument which depicts the power and authority the LORD exudes over all dominions and powers. This is why you cannot be afraid.

His STAFF ( which is mish‛ênâh in Hebrew) means a walking or support stick. It is commonly referred to as the Shepherds Staff/Hook. It is for sustenance and rest.

His staff also provides guidance and direction. This so beautiful, the Lord doesn’t just protect you from danger by how He destroys the predators. He also comforts you through His direction.

As you go through challenging times, He leads you in the way you should go.

ENJOY THE POWER, AUTHORITY AND DIRECTION OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

Shalom.