The tools of the shepherd are a rod and a staff. These tools become the symbol of his trade, and the status of his role in the community.
The shepherd’s rod was about two feet in length with a knot at one end, and a handle carved in the other. The knotted end might be weighted and impressed with sharp metal, or stones. A skilled shepherd could wield it like a club, or a bat to crush a predator’s head, or he could throw it with precision at a charging attacker.
To the sheep this rod is a comfort giving strength in the face of dangers. The rod defends and protects the sheep within the flock. But to the enemy the rod is a fearful thing. It is a sign of power that threatens to undo his devious plan for the sheep.
Three times in the New Testament the Lord Jesus is described as a Shepherd. He is described as the Good Shepherd, and the great Shepherd, and the chief Shepherd.
In John 10:11-12 Jesus declares, “I am the GOOD SHEPHERD. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep … A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.”
There are so many things that can be frightening to us. One well-known columnist who receives thousands of letters said that one problem dominates over all others that people talk about, and it is fear. People are afraid of losing their health. They are afraid of losing their wealth. They are afraid of losing their loved ones. She concluded, “Many people are afraid of life itself.”
We can be like that. Like frightened little sheep defenseless, and dependent upon the shepherd. The good news is we have a good shepherd who takes care of us. We don’t have to be afraid.
The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament. When we say JEHOVAH, we speak of His deity. He is the Sovereign who reigns. But when we say SHEPHERD, we speak of His humanity.
Jesus Christ is one with the Father. That means all power, all might, and all authority belong to Him. To the enemies of His sheep, this is a terror. To the sheep this is a great comfort. Jesus guides, and protects us, and even gave His life for us, so we will be safely in His fold forever.
As the Good Shepherd, JESUS DEFENDS AND PROTECTS US.
by Corville Peters
