"Your Rod And Your Staff, They Comfort Me." Psalm 23:4

The words of the title of this message are from a testimony by David to the Lord's absolute faithfulness throughout his life. As Christ followers, let's benefit from David's testimony by examining the words, "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David is speaking about the rod and the staff of the shepherd. He's telling us that the purpose of the rod and staff was to comfort the sheep! What is the rod? The rod was what the shepherd carried while out with his sheep. It was a long, slender stick used by the shepherd as his main weapon of defense for both himself and his sheep. The rod was, in fact, an extension of the shepherd's right arm. And, because of this, it represented his power, his strength, and his authority in any serious situation! In other words, the rod was what the shepherd counted on to protect both himself and his flock in adverse and dangerous situations. Also it was, furthermore, the instrument the shepherd used to correct and discipline any sheep that insisted on wandering off. Remember, David is writing this Psalm not as a king, but as a sheep under the care and management of its shepherd! In other words, this sheep is asserting that the shepherd's rod, his weapon of authority, power, and protection, is a continuous comfort in his life! Let me pause right here and shout, "Praise God Forevermore!" Living in the times of today, I need the comfort of my Shepherd, Jesus Christ! With the rod, the shepherd is enabled to carry out detailed and effective control of his flock in EVERY situation! I am reminded of how God used another shepherd named Moses, and sent him to rescue Israel from bondage to Pharaoh. It was the rod of Moses that was to demonstrate the authority and power vested in him (Exodus 4:1-5). It was always through the rod of Moses that God's power and authority were made manifest not only to convince Pharaoh that God had sent Moses, but also to give assurance to the nation of Israel. In light of this, the rod speaks of the Word of God. As Christ followers, we must understand and embrace that the Word of God is the expressed intent of the mind, will, and purpose of God in dealing with humanity. The Word of God is the authority of God. It carries with it the irrefutable impact of "The Lord says." Just as for the sheep of Moses' and David's day there was comfort in seeing the rod in the shepherd's hands, so in our time there's tremendous assurance in our hearts as we consider the awesome power, veracity, and authority vested in the Word of God! The Scriptures are God's rod. They are the extension of His mind and purpose to humanity. Living in the times of today, how comforting and reassuring to the Christ follower to turn to God's Word and know it to be his/her Shepherd's hand of power and control. The Word of God brings into our lives a great source of peace and comfort which is what the Psalmist meant when he penned the words, "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Your move. Be encouraged!