The shepherd’s image of Jesus is arguably the most common throughout the Gospels. Over and over again we see the description of the flock with its shepherd, so it is only natural to investigate the intentionality of the imagery for our own lives.
I was recently praying through the 23rd Psalm when I again came across the image of a shepherd, and this time even more specifically the rod and the staff.
I was a little struck (pun intended) by the idea that the rod would be a comfort. The staff is easy to imagine. It has a crook on it, designed to bring us back when we are lost, but the rod - well, that’s different. The rod is a shorter more compact thumping device used to move sheep, count them, and fight off wild animals.
Yet, the more I pray and spend time with God the more I know that I need the rod as much as I need the staff.
While I never enjoy it at the moment I am truly thankful for the intimate nature of God that would care enough about me to give me a good knock when I need to be readjusted.
In the midst of His discipline, God still shows love.
As a leader, I crave discipline more and more. Leadership is lonely, and at times it’s hard to know if you are on the right path. The rod and the staff are both incredibly important tools for Jesus to lead me to the fullness of life with Christ.
So, whether you are in a season of the staff or a season of the rod - know that God sees you and He is in it with you.
I wish I had some sage wisdom on how to enjoy the discipline more, but the truth is - it just hurts sometimes. However, I always try to remember the hurt of discipline from the Lord pales in comparison to the hurt of my sin when it enters the world.
Together in the Mission,
Tony