This post is Day 17 in a series of studies about “Psalm 23”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Psalm 23 – Day 17

Bishops in traditional churches walk with a staff with a hook on the top when they wear ceremonial dress. If a lamb has fallen over a cliff, or is stuck in a stream the shepherd will stretch out his staff, hook it round the lamb and lift it to safety.

Psalm 23:4

… your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The Thought

Today we look at the second part of yesterday’s verse. The good Shepherd is one who rescues and comforts His sheep. Jesus wants to comfort us, any time we are in difficulty.

The staff of a shepherd usually has a hook on the top, and can be used to lift a sheep to safety. Bishops in traditional churches walk with a staff like that when they wear ceremonial dress. It is a symbol of the staff of our Good Shepherd who rescued us.

If a lamb has fallen over a cliff, or is stuck in the mud in a stream the shepherd will stretch out his staff, and “hook” it round the neck or the body of the lamb and lift it to safety. Isn’t that a lovely picture of what Jesus has done for you and me?

In Luke 15:4-6 we read the encouraging story of the good shepherd rescuing his lost sheep. Not only rescuing it, but rejoicing and having a party because of one lost sheep who was found. That is a picture of how Father God feels about each individual who becomes a Christian. I imagine that He throws a party with the angels every time someone is saved from death and destruction.

Action

Rejoice today that you are loved by “The Good Shepherd” who gave His life to make it possible for us to reach heaven and live forever with Him in total security.

Read those verses from Luke 15 and pray for those you know who don’t know they are “lost sheep”. Pray for them to be rescued by The Good Shepherd who is waiting nearby with His rod and staff.

Give Jesus thanks that He rescued you, when He gave His life on the cross in order to open the way to Heaven. Share that good news with someone today.