Tuesday Reflection, January 18,2022

Shepherd Your People With Your Staff.

When we think of the shepherd’s tools of the trade, the first things that come to mind are the rod and the staff. We get this from everyone’s favorite Psalm, Psalm 23: 4. The Shepherd had specific roles for each of his tools including the rod and the staff which were the main tools of his trade. In today’s Watchword the prophet Micah prays to God to lead His people as a shepherd leads his flock. Shepherd your people with your staff. Micah 7: 14

There were three main uses for the shepherd’s staff in Old Testament times. Firstly, the staff was a resting pole for the shepherd when he was at a place where the ground was not dry or comfortable to sit on. When he needed rest during those long periods of caring for the sheep, he would lean on the staff for comfort and support. When God shepherds his people with His staff, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength, that God provides rest for us when we become weary and a safe resting place when all around us becomes perilous. When we lean on our Lord, He gives us the support we need. Prov 3: 5 & 6 charges us: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Secondly, the staff was a tool for rescuing the sheep. The staff had a curved end. The shepherd would use the curved end to pull a sheep out of bushes that it had become stuck in. He would also use it to help the sheep back to its feet if it fell and couldn’t get up or if it was injured. The staff gave assurance to the sheep since it was used to help them out of a bind or to keep them upright. Jesus told His disciples in John 16: 33 In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. The shepherd uses the staff to help us to overcome the troubles we experience in life. If Jesus remains our shepherd there is hope for us being rescued from the trials and tribulations of life. He who overcame the world, will help us to overcome as well.

Thirdly, the staff served the shepherd as a guide for the sheep. As the shepherd led the sheep across open plains and through rough, rocky and hilly terrain, the staff served as a guide to keep the sheep together. When we think of Psalm 23 we remember the verses that speaks to the Lord leading us along righteous paths and beside still waters. Our Lord guides us as a shepherd leading his sheep, so that we get to where God needs us to be. Only our resistance and disobedience will prevent us from such success and prosperity. Jesus reminded us in the parable of the lost sheep that even when we go astray, the Lord our shepherd will leave the sheep that are safe and venture out to rescue the one that has gone astray and reunite him or her with the fold. God as our shepherd, guides us to peace and restoration with His staff. He guides us into making the best possible decisions and seeking the best possible outcome for our lives.

When we are in need of rest, when we need to be rescued, and when we need guidance, let us remember that God has already provided this for us through our Lord, our Shepherd. May Micah’s prayer then be our constant cry to God as we recognize the need for His leadership in our lives. Lord, shepherd your people with your staff. Amen.