Wisdom's Corner
His Rod and Staff

Sheep herders of Bible times had two objects which helped them take care of their sheep. These were a rod and a staff. Both were made of wood. These two objects were used for many things.

They were used to help the sheep herder walk up steep hills. They were used for him to lean against for rest when he was tired. They were used for protection against wild animals by hitting the animals with them. One of them was hooked on the end and he could use the hook to rescue a sheep that had fallen into a hole or off the side of a cliff. He could use the rod and staff to guide the sheep into a holding pen. Or he could guide the sheep through a narrow pass in the hills.

God takes care of us spiritually. In Psalm 23:4 we read, "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."

We are spoken of as God's sheep. God will protect us, and guide us, and rescue us with his rod and staff. If wild animals (Satan and evil people) attack us, God will help and protect us. If we get lost or don't know the way, God will guide us. If we disobey Him and fall, He will rescue us.

Of course, we must know what to do to ask Him for help and protection. We get this by reading and studying the Bible. So get God's wisdom.

Until next time, keep reading and studying. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 1998

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)