Day 33: God, the Good Shepherd
What are we supposed to expect the day after Jesus’ birth? Maybe this is a good question to explore while we wait for his arrival. This is not our first holiday season rodeo. On December 26th people we love, even ourselves may still struggle, suffer, and definitely not end up perpetually perky - even if we love God with all our heart! What’s up with that? Is that normal? Does that mean we didn’t do this Advent thing “right?” How does this very big God respond to our human frailties? Maybe we are not as faithful as we think? Could that be it? Whose to blame here?!?
Scripture is loaded with references to a shepherd’s tools of the trade: the rod and the staff. Maybe thinking about them might shed some light on our lived experience as a child of God.
First, let’s consider the rod. The rod was the power weapon for a shepherd. Custom-fit for his size and shape, the traditional rod was made from a young sapling and carved with great care. The enlarged base remained a rounded head of hardwood. Shepherds might use the rod to bash in the head of a poisonous snake or to fend off a hungry lion. A wayward sheep might even feel the nudge of the rod as a way to get his attention. The rod had another use too. It was sometimes used to inspect the sheep, pulling away the wool to expose the skin. Without this careful inspection, diseases could go undetected—ultimately endangering the entire flock.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV
As a Good Shepherd, God doesn’t wake up every morning for the sole purpose of making us happy. He’s training us for a grand epic adventure (think step twelve). This training requires discipline (remember process not perfection). Sometimes God finds it necessary to whip out His rod too. If we value God’s refining fire of presence, we find comfort under the rod of His discipline. He doesn’t beat us with it. He uses it as a tool for examination purposes. No one likes it when the doctor uses a tongue depressor but we love it when she gives us medicine that cures our strep throat. May you enjoy God’s hand of discipline today, for it signifies His lovingkindness and intent to prepare you for an excellent adventure. When God takes the time to prod us with His rod—with His loving gaze focused solely on us—we are at that moment the object of His love and affection. This is awesome - to have God’s undivided attention!
