March 17, 2025 Devo

Shepherds had to be both caring and courageous. The sheep were their responsibility, so they had to be diligent in keeping them safe. That meant they had to fight off predators like bears and lions that would try to eat the sheep. It also meant they had to keep the sheep from biting and hurting each other. That’s where the rod came in handy. The rod was a thick stick of varying lengths. It could be used as a weapon. It could bash in the head of a wolf. The rod could also be used as a tool of correction. It helped get the attention of an aggressive sheep. The staff was more of a rescuing tool. With a hook at the end, the shepherd could pull the sheep back if it was straying too far, or it could reach into tight crevices and pull a sheep out that was stuck. The shepherd would do whatever was necessary to try to lead the sheep safely home.
Firmness and gentleness. That’s the way of a shepherd. That’s the way of Our Shepherd, too. If you’re a bit hard-headed like me, you’ve probably felt a rap or two from the rod of The Shepherd. He’ll give us a tap from His Holy Spirit that lets us know we’re out of line. Once in a while, He’ll give us a whack of conviction that says, “Don’t do that again!” Sometimes, He’ll impart His gentle correction through a good friend. But none of that is meant to hurt us. It’s meant to help us. He’s trying to keep us from hurting others or ourselves. He’s doing it because He LOVES US.
He uses that same Holy Spirit as a “staff” to warn us, comfort us, and guide us. He’ll send some of those same people He used to keep us in line to come alongside us when we need them. People who can advise us, encourage us, and help us. Our Good Shepherd is constantly nudging us this way and that to keep us safe and protect us from impending danger. He’s also working in many ways we can’t see, keeping us safe from an Enemy who always seeks to harm us.
So if you hear the Gentle Voice of God speaking to you today, listen to Him. He is FOR you and not against you. And if you feel the sting of God’s rod today, thank Him and don’t despise Him. Remember that “God disciplines those He LOVES.” Our Shepherd is committed to protecting you. Even if that means protecting you from YOURSELF! His rod and His staff are the firm and gentle hands of God He uses to watch over you. But both come from His Heart of Grace. That’s God’s Word for you today.