In the previous post, we considered the shepherd’s rod. As pointed out there, the rod of God is His word. Now let us consider the Shepherd’s staff. As David wrote in Psalm 23:3, “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” Because the shepherd was present, the psalmist had no fear when walking “through the valley of the shadow of death”. Therefore, His rod and His staff provided the comfort to His sheep. The word of God, His rod brings comfort to the weary soul. Trusting His Word, we are protected from the lies that would lead us astray. Ah, but the Shepherd’s staff brings even more comfort to the soul. God’s comforting staff is the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples, “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name. He shall teach you all things. And bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). His promise was that the Spirit would abide in us, with us. “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him. But ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless” (John 14:16-18).
The Shepherd’s Staff
A symbol of the Shepherd’s abiding presence among the sheep was carefully chosen with a special curve at its end. Therefore, the Shepherd could use the staff to gently pull a shy sheep nearer to his side. It was also used to lightly touch a sheep as they walked along the path, a reminder of his affection for that sheep. At times, he will apply ever so gentle a pressure upon the side of the sheep with his staff to guide them in the direction they should go. Oh, what a comfort to know feel the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.
Another use of the staff by the shepherd is to gently lift a newborn sheep. Then to lay it beside the mother so that it could be nourished. How gently the Holy Spirit lifts a newborn Christian and draws them near a mature Christian so that they may grow in their faith. He draws us near to His word, providing always the right teacher for each phase of our Christian walk. I have been amazed as to how God always provided me with the right teacher, preacher or word at the precise moment I needed them.
Sometimes, sheep will get themselves caught in brambles or a thorny bush when trying to reach a morsel of green foliage they desired. The shepherd’s staff is used to free the entangled sheep from the briars. How often have we gotten caught in the briars of life, reaching out for some counterfeit joy to satisfy our hunger?
The Holy Spirit’s Presence
All who accept Jesus Christ are sealed by the Holy Spirit. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:12-14).
So, do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? If so, the Holy Spirit indwells you. Please, do not underestimate the power of the Spirit to comfort you. Or to gently guide you, pulling you from the thorny bushes of life. Romans 8 so beautify declares this. Therefore, if you do not know Christ, I ask that you come today. Believe and accept the gift of Salvation which His Spirit is prompting you to do. The Shepherd’s staff (His Holy Spirit) is reaching out to draw you near where you may be comforted.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts from series on Psalm 23
Fearless in the Darkest Valleys
How to Follow the Shepherd as He Leads
Have Your Soul Restored by God
How to Surrender as He Leadeth Beside Still Waters
When God Makes His Sheep to Lie Down. Why?
I Shall Not Want. What Can It Mean?
Do You Know and Trust the Good Shepherd?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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