“Even 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
February 1, 2023
A rod and a staff as comfort? How so? The rod and the staff serve to govern and rule the flock. The rod is a club or cudgel worn at the belt. It was used for protection. Our Shepherd carries a night stick to help establish a defensive perimeter around us. The staff was a long stick with a crook at the end. It was used to walk with and round up the flock for control. It was also used to count the sheep. In our Shepherd we have a defender and needed direction. Our comfort comes in that there is never a situation of which our Shepherd is not aware. David had learned early on to deal with his fears. Just visit the Goliath museum (1 Sam. 17:1-7, 34). How is it with our confidence in God’s protection? Does our fear of the Lord exceed our fear of man? Our strong Shepherd directs us to the moral paths we should take. He gives commands, promises, principles, and examples in the Bible which are designed to provide courage in the face of our fears.
Beware of the 23rd channel: “The TV is my shepherd; It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world, and keepeth me from the study of God’s Word. It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend church and doing nothing for the kingdom of God.”
H
“My Lord and my Shepherd, keep me from listening to voices of feelings, social fads, peer pressure, and false teachers who beckon me to misuse the Bible and seek the easiest paths in life.”