A Testimony Of Security (Part 2)Psalm 23:4(b) “…Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Previously:

A Testimony of SufficiencyPsalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd [Yahweh-Rohi]; I shall not want [Lack]. [Messages 1 & 2]

Testimony Of SatisfactionPsalm 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. [Messages 3 & 4]

A Testimony of SalvationPsalm 23:3(a) He Restores My Soul…[Message 5]

Psalm 23:3(b) “He Leads Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Name’s Sake.” [Message 6]

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me…

Today: A Testimony of Security (Part 2)“…Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Introduction:

When a shepherd is leading his sheep to the mountain top green tablelands of grass and clover, he carries the barest of necessities.

Many shepherds didn’t even take water so they would be forced to find fresh water for the sheep – when he was thirsty the sheep were thirsty!

He would carry a knapsack with some bread and cheese, his cruse [horn] of oil to treat the sheep, his ROD and his STAFF!

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The shepherd’s ROD

Each shepherd had his own individual Rod:

As a young man he would dig up a sapling with the root ball attached and meticulously carve it to fit his own grip.

Much time went into making his Rod exactly fit his hand with comfort.

The root ball made the rod a “club” that became an extension of his own hand and personality.

After completing its design, hours and days were spent practicing to use it correctly and effectively.

The shepherd boy would learn to throw the rod with amazing speed and precision.

They would challenge themselves with contests in throwing their Rods the longest distance with the greatest accuracy.

Every shepherd learned to depend on his Rod.

Today, the rod is replaced with a knife or rifle, also requiring practice and development of their use.

There were three (3) main functions of the Rod:

1. The Rod Was Used To Control The Sheep And To Keep Order.

A. Sheep soon became aware that the Rod was the shepherd’s weapon of power, authority, and defense.

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B. The sheep knew that the shepherd would use the rod to “keep them in line”

C. Any confusion or chaos was quickly steeled with the use of the Rod.

The Rod is a symbol of the Word of God!

In our age of confused voices, philosophies, and religious thought, it is the Word of God that brings control and order.

Clarity and peace can only be found through God’s Holy Word!

2. The Rod Was Used To Administer Discipline.

A. The shepherd was always ready to hurl his rod when:

o A sheep would wander away from the others,

o start to eat poisonous weeds, or

o approach some sort of danger.

B. Most of the time the rod wasn’t thrown directly at the sheep but it was tossed close to them to remind them.

So is the Word of God to Us!

God doesn’t knock us down with His word – He just tosses it our way!

He reminds us that we are on the wrong track or headed for danger!

Sometimes He even frightens us with His Word.

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3. The Rod Was Used For Examination.

A. In the Old Testament this was referred to as passing “under the rod”

Ezekiel 20:37 I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;

o This was a first hand examination

o The shepherd could pull back the wool and examine the body of the

o sheep

This is where the term “pulling the wool over one’s eyes” came from!

B. With the same rod, each sheep is individually judged.

C. With the detection of parasites, lacerations, and disease, comfort was provided for the sheep.

We too are all judged by the rod of the Word of God.

Psalm 139:23-2423 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

His Word will search us.

There is no “pulling the wool over His eyes!”

When our spiritual needs are exposed it ultimately brings comfort to us.

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4. The Rod Was Used As An Instrument Of Protection.

A. The skilled shepherd used his rod to drive off predators like coyotes, wolves, cougars, and stray dogs.

B. Often the rod was used to beat the bushes and brush to drive away snakes and other creatures.

C. No doubt David used his rod to attack the lion and bear that he eventually tore apart with this hands.

As our Rod - God’s Word is our greatest defense against the enemy!

Jesus used the Word when Satan came against Him during his 40 days of fasting – three times Jesus use the Word:

Luke 4:3-13 3 And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' " 5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours." 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " 9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,' 11 "and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' "

13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

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Conclusion:

Psalm 23:4(b) “…Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Next Week I will deal with the STAFF...

The shepherd’s rod brought comfort to the sheep.

1. Control

2. Discipline

3. Examination

4. Protection

God’s Word also brings comfort to us in the same way!