Every work environment has tools of trade. A chef uses a knife to prepare food, while a surgeon uses one to bring healing. The shepherd is no different. David mentions the shepherd’s tools in Psalm 23:4 NKJV: Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
People who work with animals use tools, though some misuse them to harm the animals. A good shepherd, however, uses his tools to care for the sheep. His staff—a long stick with a hook at the end—helps him navigate difficult terrain and guide wandering sheep. When a sheep strays, the watchful shepherd gently uses the staff to bring it back to the flock. In the same way, our Shepherd uses the Word of God to draw us back when we begin to drift away.
At times, the shepherd sees predators watching the sheep as prey. He does not run away or leave the flock exposed to danger. Instead, he uses his rod—a shorter, heavier stick that, in skilled hands, drives wild animals away. The rod also serves other purposes: the shepherd uses it to inspect the sheep for disease, count them, and protect them from harm. When we compare the thief, whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, with the good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep, the choice is clear: choose the good Shepherd.
Thought for Today: Friend, is the good Shepherd, your Shepherd?
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