The Companion: What He Holds

Pastor of Care, J Hager preaching on Psalm 23

Key Takeaways

The shepherd's rod is a symbol of protection, authority, and power, used to defend sheep from predators and to redirect them when they stray from the right path.
Nothing reaches the sheep without first passing through the shepherd, reflecting God's sovereign and loving oversight of every circumstance.
The greatest dangers a believer faces are sometimes internal, including pride, anger, fear, and unbelief, and the shepherd protects his sheep from themselves as much as from outside threats.
Hell, Satan, and death all recognize the authority of the Good Shepherd, which is the true basis for the sheep's comfort and rest.
Jesus carried a cross on behalf of his sheep, absorbing punishment in their place and offering not merely a second chance but entirely new life.

Study Questions

Pastor J draws a distinction between praying for God's protection versus praying for God's correction. What does your reluctance or willingness to pray for correction reveal about your trust in God's character?
The rod served not only to protect sheep from predators but also to protect them from themselves. Which do you find more difficult to accept: God's protection from outside threats or his intervention in your own heart's wandering?
Predators recognize the shepherd's authority even when the sheep do not recognize danger. What does it mean for your daily life that the spiritual forces working against you already acknowledge the authority of your shepherd?
Philip Keller's observation connects the rod to the Word of God and the staff to the Holy Spirit. How intentionally are you allowing both Scripture and the Spirit to guide and correct your daily walk?
J emphasizes that nothing reaches the sheep without first passing through the shepherd's sight and care. How does this truth challenge or reshape the way you interpret painful or difficult circumstances in your life?

Seeking God’s Face Devotional

This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship.

This Week’s Liturgy

Call to worship

Psalm 95:6-7

Leader: Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

All: For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Confession of FAITH

New City Catechism Q & A #30

Q: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

A: Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Confession of sin

Gracious Shepherd, we confess that we have wandered from your paths, trusted our own wisdom more than your guidance, and feared the enemies around us more than we have trusted your protection. We have resisted your loving discipline and ignored your faithful leading. Forgive us for our pride and unbelief. Draw us near with your staff, defend us with your rod, and restore us through Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.