Devotion

Theme: The Shepherding Staff

Text: Psalm 23:4

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

The shepherd's staff is used not just to control the sheep but also as a divine weapon against the enemy. It is designed such that, it has a hook and this hook is there to serve these purposes. David understood that, in the valley of the shadow of death, there are many challenges that the ordinary mind cannot fathom. It creates moments of helplessness and hopelessness but if you know who you are in Christ Jesus, you can confidently use this weapon to overcome the fear and evil in those valleys. The valley of the shadow of death could represent ill health, lost of job, educational challenges, financial bankruptcies, failures, spiritual and physical battles and the likes. These situations usually present themselves as though, there's no way out. But beloved in the Lord, rise up and tell that situation even if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you'll fear no evil for Jehovah is with you.

Reflecting on the patriarch of old, the rod and staff have significantly served several purposes. Moses did much with his rod/staff in his days (Exodus 4:1-5; 7:8-13,19-21; 8:5-7). In Genesis 32:10 Jacob said, "10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies." The staff served a purpose in his life. In the same vein, Tamar knows taking the staff of Judah will vindicate her some day (Genesis 38:18-26). Gideon wanted a proof from God. He was not convinced until the Angel touched the meat and unleavened bread with the end of His staff bringing out fire from the rock to consume the meat and unleavened bread (Judges 6:21). David in his battle with Goliath, after taking off Saul's attire for battle because that's not his divine weapon, the first thing he took is his staff (1 Samuel 17:40a). In Zechariah 11:7, the NIV puts it as, "7 So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock." Zechariah knows the power of the staff is to favour and bond us to the Father. The staff of the Lord will bring favour in His church and in unity the church shall stand tall above any other thing. Jesus in sending the disciples out, instructed they pick nothing except a staff ( Mark 6:7). Dear believer in the Lord, you need to take your staff and fight the battle. The Lord will favour you and grant you victory for you to confidently say, His rod and staff they comfort me.

Prayer: comfort us by Your rod and staff o God. Lead and direct every step we take by Your rod and staff that we may not go astray even now and forevermore in Jesus name. AMEN!!!