Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4b)
Last week we focused our attention on the rod of the Shepherd. This strong piece of wood is used by the loving Shepherd for protection, correction and examination. It is a very good picture of the Word of God. Every believer should be thankful for the Word of God in the hand of our Good Shepherd, and should hold the Bible close in daily life.
Today our attention turns to the shepherd’s staff. The staff is the symbol of the shepherd.
The long, slender piece of wood with the crook at the end is used only with sheep and no other animal. It is a symbol of concern. It speaks of the shepherd’s kindness. As the rod represents the Word of God, the staff represents the Spirit of God.
Like the rod, the staff serves several purposes. First, it draws the sheep together for intimacy. Ewes are often separated from their lambs. The shepherd can pick up a lamb and bring it back to its ewe. Likewise, it is the Holy Spirit who draws us to the Savior. Jesus said, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me. (John 15:26)
Second, the staff us used to draw the sheep together for examination. The crook draws the sheep to the shepherd so that it can be examined with the rod. In like manner, the Holy Spirit searches our hearts to convict and to comfort. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26, 27)
The third purpose of the staff is to rescue the sheep. With the crook the shepherd is able to reach the sheep when it is caught in a bush. So the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to convict the sinner and draw him to the Savior. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (8) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (9) of sin, because they believe not on me; (10) of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (11) of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:7-11)
Finally, the staff is used to guide the sheep. The shepherd gently lays the staff against the side of the sheep, guiding it to the path it ought to travel. A child of God can manage his life only by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct him through the Word. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 16:13)
A shepherd, especially an older man, will lean upon his staff for comfort and support. It is the Holy Spirit who brings comfort to His children through the Word.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me—in many ways, the Spirit of God through the Word of God is able to guide, protect, correct, examine, rescue, and draw together His sheep. If you are a believer, may this be so in your life. If you are still not a child of God, please come to the Savior in simple faith today.