Day 28 | The Shepherd’s Tools – John
Did you know that your Shepherd is outfitted with specific tools that are specifically designed with you in mind? Whether you are in the darkest of valleys or the calm coolness of the pasture, you are continually protected and provided for because of who your Shepherd is and what is in His possession.
Even in the midst of uncertainty, pain, and difficulties, you do not have to fear anything because of three fundamental truths that David highlights in this verse:
I have access to the Shepherd’s presence.
God, our Shepherd, is omnipotent and omnipresent, which means that He is all-powerful and always present. More than just being theologically accurate, these two facts should increase and strengthen your faith in following the Lord and should comfort you no matter what circumstances you are faced with. Your Shepherd cares so much for you that He is intentionally present in your life. He is just a breath or thought away and His presence, whether felt or not, should fill you with faith that centers you even in the midst of the darkest valley or violent storm.
Your Shepherd’s presence is not determined by your circumstances but by His character. He chooses to be nearby. He chooses to be close. He wants to be present in your life and will show up for you no matter the calamity or celebration you are walking through.
I am protected by the Shepherd’s rod.
The word David uses for ‘rod’ “may designate not only the shepherd’s rod (Lev. 27:32) but a teacher’s staff (2 Sam. 7:14; Prov. 13:24), a ruler’s scepter (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 14:5) and a weapon (2 Sam. 23:21).”[1]
This typically would have been a 2 1/2 foot long, slender wooden club with a head on the end of it that may or may not have had nails driven through it. It would have hung from either the Shepherd’s wrist or waist and used by the shepherd in a plethora of ways, but two primary uses of this rob would have been for protecting the flock from human and animal predators and keeping his sheep away from dangerous areas. The second common way a shepherd's rod was used was for counting the sheep as they passed “under the rod.” This practice involved using the rod to stop the sheep so that the shepherd could personally inspect his sheep by using the rod to spread apart the sheep’s wool so that the shepherd could run his hands through its wool searching for any disease or signs of trouble that would have gone undetected since sheep’s wool is thick and can hide things from view.
Picture that for a second. Your Shepherd, Jesus, not only fights off your Enemy with His rob, but then uses that same rod to intimately comb through the areas of your life looking for any signs of trouble because you are in His tender, loving care.
This is the exact picture that should come to mind when you read Psalm 139:23-24, which welcomes intimate examination of yourself by your Shepherd, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
I am comforted by the Shepherd’s staff.
Unlike other professions, a shepherd’s staff stands as the defining tool of the profession because no other occupation employs it and it serves exclusively to meet the needs of the shepherd and his sheep. The shepherds staff embodies gentleness and patience and is typically a 6 foot long, slender stick that has a hook on one end. A shepherd would carefully pick the wood and meticulously shape the staff to be a custom fit to him. It would provide comfort and support to the shepherd himself as he leaned on it, used it as a walking or climbing aide, or cleared brush to shew away snakes and other predators.
It would provide comfort to the sheep also as the shepherd would use his staff to direct and gather the sheep together, training them, and keeping them on the correct path.
The shepherd's staff would also be used to count the sheep, restrain them from wandering, pulling them away from danger, and gently correcting when needed.
While David is using the imagery of a physical staff, spiritually, the shepherds staff represents the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who was sent to provide comfort and correction, guidance and growth within the life of every believer.
Just as the shepherd uses his staff to comfort his sheep, likewise the Spirit is your comforter (John 14:26). Just as the shepherd uses his staff to gently correct his flock, likewise the Spirit brings correction and conviction (John 16:8). Just as the shepherd uses his staff to draw his flock close to him, likewise the Spirit draws close to you for intimate connect (Rev. 22:17). Just as the shepherd uses his staff to guide his flock safely, likewise the Spirit guides you (John 16:13)
This is why you do not have to fear any evil, because the love of God casts out all fear (1 John 4:18) for those who love God.
REFLECT
Where do you most need to remember that your Shepherd is present with you right now, whether you feel His presence or not?
What area of your heart or life do you need to invite the Shepherd to search, inspect, correct, and heal?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s comfort, correction, or guidance recently, and where do you need to become more attentive to His leading?
PRAYER
Jesus, You are my Shepherd. Thank You that I do not walk through valleys alone. Thank You for Your presence that stays near, Your rod that protects and examines, and Your staff that comforts and guides. Forgive me for the ways I have allowed fear, anxiety, sin, or distraction to lead me instead of You. Search me and know my heart. Reveal what needs to be healed, corrected, surrendered, or strengthened. Holy Spirit, comfort me where I am weary, convict me where I am wandering, and guide me in the way everlasting. Amen.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Pray Psalm 139:23–24 slowly:
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Then sit quietly for two minutes and ask the Shepherd:
What are You protecting me from, correcting in me, or guiding me toward?