Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. -Psalms 23:4


God bless you and good morning. I often am reminded of the goodness of the Lord in small ways. 


For instance the scripture above in all it fame hides the gem of comparison differentiating a staff from a rod. 


I hear the collective “wait, what”. Yes there is a difference and no the shepherd didn’t carry two sticks. The scripture says “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” The “and” here indicates two functions not two items. 


The staff is the upper curved part of the tool which is used by the shepherd to rest upon and also to provide a gentle nudge when herding the sheep or to literally grab a lost sheep gently under the neck to lift it out of a hole or any other hazard. 


The rod is the long shaft and used to protect or correct (the scripture doesn’t say spare the staff, spoil the child). The rod could be pointy or blunt but always extremely strong. The shepherd boy David was very effective in using the rod and staff, fighting off predators and helping guide sheep. 


To the obedience sheep the rod and staff comforts them knowing the purpose of the tool is for their benefit.  


To the disobedient the rod had to serve as a reminder to walk in alignment on the road the shepherd was using to move them to a place of watering and green pastures.


Yet the shepherd would also use the staff to help even the disobedient (His anger endures but a moment). 


You are sheep of His pasture, allow Him to use the tools to both protect, direct and correct! 


TGIF!!! Go to church somewhere this Sunday. You need the fellowship. 


Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com


You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC) using our cash app $intercedingcc 



God bless you and command your day!!!

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