Gospel Reflections #368: God's rod and staff, "they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

God's rod is not meant to beat us or threaten us.

Shepherds have rod to ward off wolves and other beasts to protect their sheep.

God's rod also does not beat us or threaten us.

The shepherd has his staff to lead the sheep that have become separated from the flock toward the flock.

We are able to keep up with God because He is with us, protecting us from outside forces and guiding us ourselves through His staff.

A shepherd, leading his sheep with his staff, will not leave a sheep that has wandered off the path and gone astray.

The shepherd never gives up or cuts corners until he finds the lost sheep.

Therefore, we can rest close to God, and with Him, we will never lack.

Our God does not give us only the easy way, nor does He always walk with us on His back, but He is a God we want to follow with our own feet, discerning His voice, no matter how steep the path.

By knowing more about who our God is, we are made to fear no calamity, even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

Our Jesus is our guide and our finisher!

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.