Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

Even when I walk in a dark valley, I fear no evil because you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

The shepherd’s crook or staff was used for wrangling, catching, and corralling their flock. It was long enough for them to grab at and prod their fast, woolly charges without having to run around after them. And the curved hook was great for securing their necks if they needed to be pulled along or pulled out of trouble. For the shepherd himself, it provided extra stability for uneven ground, and even something to lean against for support. It was long, large, and packed a wallop when swung. It was excellent for protection against wolves, foxes, or other predators looking for a lamb lunch. It’s been a symbol of kingship and care for others in multiple cultures for thousands of years. It’s been an essential companion and tool of guidance since it was invented.

The rod was very similar, but without the hook  – and sometimes having a weighted end –  it was much more for protection than guidance. It would be capable of handling larger predators that might a little more encouragement to leave their prospective lunch alone. It was very effective.

The shepherd isn’t the tool. He isn’t the companion. He wields the companion. He works with the companion. The tool (rod or crook/staff) is the intermediary between the shepherd and the predator as well as between the shepherd and the flock. They are – for all intents and purposes – as if they were one being, the rod/staff an extension of the shepherd’s body and will. The rod and the staff are nothing for the flock to fear, because they do not fear the shepherd.

“I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15). Jesus is our Shepherd and we know His voice (John 10:27-28). Ruach HaKodesh is the rod and staff He uses. He corrects us, guides us, corrals us, and saves us out of where we get stuck. He protects us. Keeps us safe. Prevents the attacks of the enemy and the world from harming us – He IS the overcomer (John 16:33). No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, no matter the landscape, how far, how near, there is the Shepherd come with His rod to protect us or His staff to rescue us. What a comfort Ruach HaKodesh is! Always there with whatever we need (from HIS perfect point of view). What loving discipline leading to such abundant life. It’s awesome!

Daily Affirmation of the Goodness of Elohim: Psalm 25:18

“Consider my affliction and trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Sin carries affliction and suffering. It is the causation of all our trouble. Only good things come from Adonai (James 1:17). Any trouble of ANY kind doesn’t come from Him. It is because of sin. Yours, ours, someone’s, even the devil‘s. Follow the rotting breadcrumbs back from the trouble and sin is where you’ll end up. But our Good God made a way for us to escape. We don’t deserve it, but it is there nonetheless. Adonai took responsibility for what WE did and what WE loosed into the world, and made a way for US to be saved from all the trouble. From all the affliction. Soulish, mental, or physical, we got released. He ended the Age of Affliction and started the Age of Ascension in and through Messiah Jesus. Lifting us from where we were to where He is through the righteousness of Jesus obtained by the sacrifice which paid for OUR mistakes and transgressions. Making us clean when we accept and follow in His Way. What a GOOD God!

Your Daily Confession of Elohim’s Goodness:

I taste and see that Yahweh is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8