Rod & Staff

I have many tools in my collection. Some are to build up like nail guns, clamps, glue and of course duct tape. But, I also have several tools that I use to tear apart like saws, pruners, pry bars and sanders. These tools all help me to divide or remove materials that I don't want, leaving the shape and forms that are needed for what I am making at that time.

We hear in David’s Psalm that God carries two uniquely different tools, the rod and the staff. The staff is a tool that shepherds use to direct the sheep. The curved end was useful to draw the sheep towards him. It would have been a welcomed sight for a sheep stuck in a hole in distress. The rod was used for defending and protecting the flock from predators. The Egyptians used it as punishment. So why does David say that our Good Shepherd carries both?

Exodus 20:5b-6 says, “I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” God will separate his flock from those who seek to tear it apart. He carries the staff to keep the sheep that he loves close. The rod is to overcome the evil in the world. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We know that Jesus died and rose for us so that we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death without fear. We know that we are redeemed and loved by our God.

Prayer:

Dear God, keep us safe from the evils of the world with your rod, and when we fall, save us with your staff. Keep us faithful through the valley so that we may be in your flock on the last day. Amen.