Protected by My Good Shepherd
The scared sheep scatter. The wolf plans his attack. The dead shepherd comes to life!
The primary instrument a shepherd used in Jesus' day for protecting sheep was a "rod." It was a short club the shepherd made by pulling a small tree from the ground, cutting off the roots and leaving a knob on the end. He then fitted it to his hand and trained himself to use it with great skill. Shepherds were known to have been very accurate in throwing these weapons, and powerful in beating off predators such as wolves, bears, lions, snakes or even eagles.
As sheep belonging to our Good Shepherd, we must admit that we are basically defenseless creatures who do not come equipped with camouflaging color, a poisonous bite, or blazing speed. We can easily become victims of the devil's sly strength, so we are told, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8.) Yet we can be assured that we have the greatest protector of all in our Good Shepherd. He uses his almighty Word as a rod to fend off the forces of evil and protect us from harm. Just like he overcame the devil's temptations in the wilderness, he also overcomes them today for us with his mighty Word. We never even know how close we might have been or how many times the devil could have hurt us but Jesus and his double-edged sword protected us.
Better yet, our Good Shepherd, in his desire to protect us, will do so even if it means giving up his own life. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). There is no greater loyalty and love than what our Good Shepherd did by giving up his life on the cross so we could live!
When the Good Shepherd noticed the wolf, the devil, coming he didn't run, but he counter attacked. Your life was being threatened by a powerful enemy who could have easily snatched you up and separated you from your green pastures forever; but your Good Shepherd would not let it happen. He faced the enemy and went to battle for you. In the end, however, the only way he could protect you and spare your life was by giving up his own. He died to protect you. Imagine what that evil wolf, the devil, was thinking when Jesus died. Just picture him, boasting in his apparent victory, stalking around the dead Shepherd, licking his chops as he looks over the shepherdless sheep. The scared sheep scatter. The wolf plans his attack. The dead shepherd comes to life! He steps between the surprised wolf and the scared sheep with a presence unequaled in authority and power, a glory neither fully used nor displayed since the creation of the world, a victory for heaven overpowering all the spiritual forces of evil! "I lay down my life - only to take it up again," our Good Shepherd assures us. Yes, the risen Lord Jesus rules the earth in full glory and protects his sheep, keeping us safe on the path to heaven. "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27) Take comfort, then, that you are Jesus’ little lamb. You are a lamb he always protects.
PRAYER: In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with you, dear Lord beside me;
Your rod and staff my comfort still, your cross before to guide me.
And so through all the length of days your goodness fails me never.
Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise within your house forever! Amen.