Why Sheep Need a Rod
by Pastor Dag Heward-MIlls
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.
Psalm 23:4
Phillip Keller, a modern shepherd describes how the rod is the main equipment of the shepherd. The rod therefore speaks of the Word of God which is used to deal with men. It is the only basis of power and authority of the shepherd. A pastor must treasure the Word of God and see it as his greatest tool in the ministry. The Word of God does for the pastor what the rod does for the shepherd:
1. The rod is what the shepherd relies on to safeguard both himself and his flock in danger.
2. The rod is the instrument the shepherd uses to discipline and correct any wayward sheep that insists on wandering away.
3. The shepherd’s rod is his weapon of power and authority.
4. There is comfort and consolation in seeing the rod in the shepherd’s skilful hands. The sheep asserts that the shepherd’s rod is a continuous comfort to him.
5. The rod is used by the shepherd for the welfare
“of his sheep – to discipline the sheep.
6. The shepherd uses the rod to examine and count the sheep. “And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant” (Ezekiel 20:37). To come “under the rod” means to come under the shepherd’s control and authority; to be subject to the shepherd’s most careful, intimate and first-hand examination. When a sheep passed “under the rod” it meant it had been counted and looked over with great care to make sure that all was well with it.
7. The shepherd’s rod is an instrument of protection for both himself and his sheep when they are in danger. It is used both as a defence and a deterrent against anything that would attack.
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.
Psalm 23:4
Phillip Keller, a modern shepherd describes how the rod is the main equipment of the shepherd. The rod therefore speaks of the Word of God which is used to deal with men. It is the only basis of power and authority of the shepherd. A pastor must treasure the Word of God and see it as his greatest tool in the ministry. The Word of God does for the pastor what the rod does for the shepherd:
1. The rod is what the shepherd relies on to safeguard both himself and his flock in danger.
2. The rod is the instrument the shepherd uses to discipline and correct any wayward sheep that insists on wandering away.
3. The shepherd’s rod is his weapon of power and authority.
4. There is comfort and consolation in seeing the rod in the shepherd’s skilful hands. The sheep asserts that the shepherd’s rod is a continuous comfort to him.
5. The rod is used by the shepherd for the welfare
“of his sheep – to discipline the sheep.
6. The shepherd uses the rod to examine and count the sheep. “And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant” (Ezekiel 20:37). To come “under the rod” means to come under the shepherd’s control and authority; to be subject to the shepherd’s most careful, intimate and first-hand examination. When a sheep passed “under the rod” it meant it had been counted and looked over with great care to make sure that all was well with it.
7. The shepherd’s rod is an instrument of protection for both himself and his sheep when they are in danger. It is used both as a defence and a deterrent against anything that would attack.
