The Shepherd's Psalm (Pt. 4)

 

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 ESV).

 

Yesterday I mentioned the basis from which we can take every trial and uncertainty in our journey and face it without fear. Today, we see the second reason we need to see the tools of our Good Shepherd which bring us protection and security from any evil we may encounter. The psalmist, David, says, “… your rod and staff, they comfort me.” While there has been some confusion about the use of these two pieces of the shepherd’s ensemble, we cannot miss the intent. Jesus, as our ultimate Good Shepherd only uses them for our comfort. Even when the way ahead of us looks dark, foreboding, and menacing, we need not fear. It is the One who sits on the throne of all creation who walks with us, leading us through every battle to the greatest victory that the mind of man could imagine (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9).

 

So, let’s look at each of these. First, Jesus carries “the rod.” For the people in the time of the writing of the psalm it would have been an easy metaphor to both visualize and understand. Shepherd’s were very common along the rolling hills and valleys of Jerusalem. The rod was a short wooden club used to defend the flock from thieves and predators. It was never used on the sheep as some have suggested. The shepherd would stand battling any and all who would threaten the safety of the flock. Jesus has done this for us, ultimately bringing defeat to our greatest enemy. Listen to the Apostle Paul as he describes the work of Jesus in the cross and resurrection:

 

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:7-8 ESV).

 

Satan and death itself is nothing but a captive in the hands of Jesus. They have no power over the believer. The psalmist also mentions “the staff.” This is the familiar long pole with the double crook on the end so often shown in the artwork of the representation of the Good Shepherd through the centuries. The staff was long enough to reach any trapped lamb, placing the crook under it and pulling it to safety, even after it may have wandered off the path. Even when we make decisions that are destructive, Jesus doesn’t stand idly by arms crossed in disdain, waiting for us to somehow rescue ourselves. He reaches us with His staff and pulls us back to the safe path leading to eternal life. That’s our Good Shepherd… trust Him!