The next chapter in this eye opening book may be a tough one for us to wrap our minds around. Yet if we really understand what love is all about, then it simply makes sense. It is called “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Mr Keller begins by explaining that shepherds carry a bare minimum of equipment as they journey with their sheep. This includes almost exclusively a rod and a staff. It is interesting how much care and attention is spent on picking, shaping and learning to wield these weapons of defense. Younger shepherds would even have competitions to see who could be most accurate when using the weapons. The author says, “The rod was, in fact, an extension of the owner’s right arm. It stood as a symbol of his strength, his power, his authority in any serious situation. The rod was what he relied on to safeguard both himself and his flock in danger. And it was, furthermore, the instrument he used to discipline and correct any wayward sheep that insisted on wandering away.” (p112-113) As much as we might want to resist it, we all need correction, and God would not be a loving God if He did not allow for it.
Mr Keller reminds us of how, when God called Moses to lead His people, the only weapon in the hands of this shepherd was his staff. Through it God showed His might and power, which brought comfort to God’s people. The author says, “It was always through Moses’ rod that miracles were manifest not only to convince Pharaoh of Moses’ divine commission, but also to reassure the people of Israel.” (p113) Then this author makes the connection between this powerful weapon and the Word of God as he says, “Living as we do in an era where numerous confused voices and strange philosophies are presented to people, it is reassuring to the child of God to turn to the Word of God and know it to be his Shepherd’s hand of authority.” (p114) You see, our Good Shepherd still protects us from predators and offers comfort to His sheep through the might of the Bible. The more we know His Word, the less outside influences can hurt us and the more peace we can sense as we learn to live the Abundant Life. His rod and staff really are comforting to the sheep that desires to be led by Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
