d. His rod and staff comfort me. When a shepherd led his sheep to the higher elevations he carried only essential equipment. Two pieces of essential equipment for every shepherd was a rod and a staff.

i). The shepherd’s rod. Shepherd boys would fashion their own rods out of saplings. They would craft them to their personal tastes. He would practice throwing the rod until he became proficient in accuracy and speed. The rod eventually became an extension of his hand. The rod was the symbol of the shepherd’s authority and strength. God used the rod of Moses to deliver the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. It was God’s sign of authority in the leadership of Moses. There were 3 purposes for the rod:
• To comfort the sheep. Sheep are by nature very skiddish animals. They won’t eat or rest until they feel safe. The shepherd’s rod makes them feel safe. When they see it they know the shepherd will protect them from predators that seek to destroy them. Jesus said that He has come to give us life. Psalm 91 tells us that God will protect us in every situation. This ought to bring us much comfort.
• To discipline the sheep. The shepherd used his rod to correct rebellious sheep. The shepherd had to keep the flock under control in every situation. When certain sheep were in places they shouldn’t be (e.g., eating poisonous plants, etc.) the shepherd would hurl his rod at them. He also used the rod to break the legs of certain sheep who had a habit of wandering from the fold. But after breaking the legs he would put the sheep on his back, carry him back to the fold and nurse him back to health.
• To examine the sheep. In the Old Testament Ezekiel compared God’s searching of our hearts as “passing under the rod.” Sheep have long wool so it is very difficult to detect wounds, disease and defects. So the shepherd would use his rod to part the wool and would rub his hands over the body of the sheep and completely and thoroughly examine him. The sheep endured this because they trusted the shepherd. This was a very intimate process and parallels what happens when Christ examines us.

“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” (Ps.139:23, 24).

• To protect the sheep. The shepherd was very adept at using his rod. While the sheep were grazing there was the constant threat of attack from coyotes, cougars and wolves but the vigilant shepherd kept them at bay with his rod. David used his rod to kill the lion and the bear.

ii). The shepherd’s staff. The staff was a long slender stick with a hook on the end of it. It was shaped to reflect the personal identity of the shepherd. It was also fashioned, shaped and adapted for the sheep. Let’s take a look at the 3 purposes of the staff:
• The staff was used to gather the sheep. Often a newborn would get separated from its mother so the shepherd would use his staff to pick up the newborn and bring it back to its mother. He had to use the staff because the mother would reject the newborn if she smelled the odor of the shepherd’s hand. He also used the staff to reach out and apprehend sheep to examine them. This was especially needed for timid sheep who kept their distance from the shepherd.
• The staff was used to guide the sheep. The shepherd would use the staff to guide the sheep into new paths or along some dangerous routes. He would often lay the staff gently against their side and apply pressure to guide the sheep in the direction he wanted them to go. The feel of the staff against their side reassured the sheep. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth (Jn.16:13).
• The staff was used to rescue the sheep. Sheep are notoriously stubborn. Because of this trait they often find themselves in dangerous situations. Sheep have been known to climb down steep cliffs and slip and fall into the sea. Only a shepherd’s staff could lift them out of the water. Sheep also often get stuck in thorny bushes or brambles in search of green grass. They get so caught up in the thorns that they can’t pry themselves loose. Only the shepherd’s staff can set them free. Psalm 40 says that “He brought me out of the miry clay; he set my feet on a rock to stay.”

3. The shepherd preserves his sheep.

a. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. In the summer shepherds lead their flocks to the high mountain ranges to graze. These are called tablelands or tables. Being a shepherd David knew this terminology and so was likely referring to the high mountain ranges. Before the shepherd led the sheep to the mountain range he would make several preliminary trips to scout out the land. He would decide where the camps would be set up, distribute salt and minerals over the area, determine where the best grass and vegetation was and look for danger signs such as poisonous weeds, predator tracks, etc. He would also clear the springs, and watering holes that the sheep would drink from by removing the debris from leaves, dirt, stones, etc. This parallels what Christ has done for us by going before us into every situation to prepare the way (Heb.4:15). The shepherd also kept out a wary eye for predators who would hide in the rocks looking for an opening to attack the sheep. Only the vigilance of the shepherd kept this from happening.
b. He anoints my head with oil. During the summer season sheep are afflicted with all kinds of insects, specifically flies (e.g., deer flies, warble flies, bot flies, nose flies, heel flies, black flies, mosquitoes, gnats and other winged insects). The sheep are literally tortured by the flies. The nose fly is especially troublesome. They seek to enter the sheep’s nose and lay eggs in the mucous membrane. When the eggs hatch they form worm-like larvae that make their way through the sheep’s nasal passage causing intense irritation and inflammation. In some cases this leads to blindness. In order to get relief the sheep will beat their heads relentlessly against trees, rocks, brush or anything they can to relieve the pain. Sometimes the sheep will actually kill themselves by bashing their heads against a post.
• When the flies start to hover around the sheep they get really restless and begin to panic. They will run and stamp their feet, throw their head up and down for hours or try to hide in a bush to get relief.
• At the very first sign of flies the shepherd will apply ointment to the sheep’s head to protect them against the nose flies. Once the oil has been applied the sheep immediately settle down and become content.
• Life is full of aggravation. We need a daily dose of the Holy Spirit to help us be calm, peaceful and contented.
• Summertime is scab time among the sheep. Scab is a highly irritating and contagious disease that affects sheep around the world. Scab is caused by a parasite spread by contact between infected and non-infected sheep. Sheep love to rub heads together so they easily become infected since scab is mainly carried in the head. Scab is a type of sin. In the O.T. a sheep without blemish was required for sacrifice. What was in mind was a sheep without scab.
• The only effective antidote to scab was for the shepherd to dip the sheep in an ointment made of linseed oil, sulfur and other chemicals. The head had to be plunged under repeatedly. The antidote to sin in our lives is to be dipped in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our head needs to be repeatedly plunged to transform our thoughts (Rom.12:2; Php.4:8).
• Sometimes the sheep struggled and kicked against the shepherd when he sought to apply the ointment. Many of us do the same thing.
• As summertime faded and gave way to Autumn the insects began to disappear and a new threat was unveiled. Now it is mating season. The young rams grow larger and stronger and the rams begin to fight each other over the ewes of the flock. Often the crash of horns sounded throughout the night.
• The shepherd knows that eventually some of the rams will either be killed or severely injured so he smears ointment on their heads so that when they collide in battle they would slide off of each other. We need the Holy Spirit to help us with our attitudes.

c. My cup runs over. The fall and autumn is a wonderful time of respite for the sheep. Gone are the nagging insects and hot weather. As the weather gets cooler the sheep head back down the mountain to their home ranch for the winter. The sheep enjoy the rest and relaxation.
• But there are hazards even in the Autumn. During the journey down the mountain and back to the ranch snow and sleet storms can come upon the sheep quite unexpectedly causing the sheep and the shepherd to face quite a bit of suffering together. Each of us have a cup of suffering that we have to drink from. Jesus did and so do we.
• The young lambs are especially effected since they don’t have the benefit of having grown a full fleece yet. When the shepherd saw the sheep shivering he would give them some brandy and water and soon the sheep would be back on their feet full of energy. The key was that the shepherd had to be close enough to the sheep to rescue them. In the midst of their suffering he was there among them to help them.

d. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me. All of the benefits afforded the sheep by the shepherd are summed up in these final words. The sheep know that no matter what happens they are in good hands with the shepherd. They know that goodness and mercy shall follow them.
• Not only will goodness and mercy follow me in the sense of what the shepherd does for me but goodness and mercy will be left by me as a legacy to the coming generations.
• Sheep can either be the most destructive or the most beneficial livestock there is. It all depends on how they are managed. There manure is more well-balanced than any of the other domesticated livestock. When it is scattered over the pasture the soil is greatly enhanced. Sheep also eat all kinds of weeds and plants that might invade a field. They can turn a ravaged land into a fruitful land. In ancient literature sheep were referred to as “those of the golden hooves” because of their beneficial effect upon land. They left behind them something worthwhile. Are we leaving something worthwhile behind us?

e. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The house here refers the home ranch of the flock. It can also refer to the household of God. The sheep are so content with the care they receive from the shepherd they don’t have a desire to go anywhere else. Do people see this kind of contentment and serenity when they look at us?
• In the Amplified version it says “I will dwell in the presence of the Lord forever.” The presence of the Lord is the key here. The sheep desire to be in full view of the shepherd at all times. The presence of the shepherd eliminates danger and provides a sense of security.

One of my heroes in ministry is the famed 19th century pastor called the "Prince of Preachers" for his voluminous writings Charles Spurgeon. It was said of Spurgeon that he read six new books each week and could recall what he read because of his photographic memory. What an intellect and what a spiritual giant! His collection of sermons is one of my treasures. One of the things I admire most about Spurgeon was his passion for the local church. I share his passion for the local church and came across a portion of a sermon called "The Dearest Place on Earth" in which he talks about the love he had for the church.

“Give yourself to the Church. You that are members of the Church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I would never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us… All who have first given themselves to the Lord, should, as speedily as possible, also give themselves to the Lord’s people. How else is there to be a Church on the earth? If it is right for anyone to refrain from membership in the Church, it is right for everyone, and then the testimony for God would be lost to the world!

As I have already said, the Church is faulty, but that is no excuse for your not joining it, if you are the Lord’s. Nor need your own faults keep you back, for the Church is not an institution for perfect people, but a sanctuary for sinners saved by Grace, who, though they are saved, are still sinners and need all the help they can derive from the sympathy and guidance of their fellow Believers. The Church is the nursery for God’s weak children where they are nourished and grow strong. It is the fold for Christ’s sheep—the home for Christ’s family.”

2. The shepherd protects the sheep.

a. He restores my soul. We are not promised a life of smooth sailing. Sometimes we will encounter difficulty. David spoke of being “cast down.”

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar” (Ps.42:5-6).

Sometimes sheep are cast down. This refers to a sheep that is on its back and cannot get back up. What happens is that a sheep finds a soft hollow to lie in and lies down and stretches out and rolls on its side and then his weight causes his center of gravity to shift and now he is not able to touch the ground with his feet and is immobilized. As he lays there gases build up in his body and begin to cut off circulation to his extremities which will eventually lead to death. The shepherd must find the sheep or they will die. But the shepherd is not the only one looking for a cast down sheep, so are predators (i.e., cougars, buzzards, coyotes, wolves, etc). Sheep are defenseless when they are cast down. When the shepherd does find the sheep he never yells at the sheep or treats them harshly because they have been through a very traumatic ordeal. Instead the shepherd rubs the legs of the sheep attempting to get the circulation of blood flowing again and talks softly to the sheep. Then the shepherd picks up the sheep in his arms and sets him on his feet again.

So how do we guard ourselves against being cast down?
1). Be cautious of the soft and easy places. We get used to our comfort zone. But we can die in the comfort zone. There’s not an easy button for the Christian life.

2). Don’t carry around extra wool. If sheep aren’t sheared their fleece becomes long and will become matted with burrs, mud and manure which makes it very heavy. Wool is a picture of sin in the Bible. Get rid of the weights in your life (Heb.12). The High Priest wasn’t allowed to wear wool in the Holy of Holies.

3). Don’t get too fat. Sheep are known as lazy and unproductive animals. If sheep get too fat the shepherd will find ways of exercising them by putting them in a more rigorous rotation and cut their food intake.

b. He leads me in paths of righteousness. Sheep are creatures of habit. They follow the same trails until they become ruts, eat at the same grazing area until it becomes a desert and pollute their own feeding grounds. No other livestock need as much meticulous care and detailed direction as sheep. Isaiah 53:6 tells us that we all like sheep have gone astray. We are stiff-necked and like to go and do our own thing. Sheep are often known to eat at the same spots and eventually these areas become infested with parasites. In a short time the whole flock can become infected. The only way a shepherd can safeguard his flock from destruction is by keeping them on the move. They must be shifted from pasture to pasture. The shepherd has to have a plan and a vision for where he wants to move his sheep. The shepherd knows the terrain like the back of his hand. He knows where the best grazing areas are. He knows where the flock will flourish and where they will starve. So the sheep learn that whenever the shepherd leads them to new pasture they eat well so they follow the shepherd. When a shepherd opens the gate to a new pasture the sheep are filled with excitement.

c. He sees me through the valley of the shadow of death. During the summer seasons shepherds lead their flocks to the high country for better feeding. This often involves long drives. Then when autumn comes the snow forces the sheep back down to the lower elevations or the valleys. The sheep were faced with many dangers: rampaging rivers, avalanches, predators, poisonous plants, etc. During the entire time the shepherd was with them vigilantly watching over them night and day. The sheep had nothing to fear because the shepherd was with them.

Why does God take us through the valleys?

1). It’s the only way to get to the mountaintop. Now many of us want to go to the mountaintop but the only way to the mountaintop is to climb through the valleys. Notice that David didn’t say that I die in the valley or stop in the valley; he said I walk through the valley.

2). It’s the well-watered route. The sheep can find refreshing water all the way. In the valleys we find refreshment (Ps.84). In the tough times we discover God’s faithfulness and it strengthens and refreshes us.

3). It’s the path with the best quality of food. The sheep will often graze by the stream banks on the canyon floor surrounded by towering cliffs on each side. The valley itself will often be covered by a dark shadow. Predators hide in the craggy rocks of the cliffs spying on the sheep waiting for their moment to strike. Another danger is that these valleys are subject to flash floods and also freak sleet and snow storms. If a sheep’s wool gets wet from freezing rain he can quickly die. The shepherd takes all of this into account but knows that this is where the best food is so He leads them there.

5,000 free throws later and I'm still alive and doing remarkably well. I started shooting free throws Friday morning at 6:00 AM and finally ended around midnight. When I first had the idea I didn't quite realize how many free throws 5,000 actually is nor did I realize how much of a physical toll it would exact on my not-so-in-shape body. Saturday morning I woke up and could barely walk or lift my arms. But today I woke up still a little sore but feeling great. I must admit that about 5:00 PM on Friday I didn't know if I was going to be able to finish. I was only at about 2500 free throws and was in tremendous pain. But lots of people came out to support me and really helped me to push through. We even met some new friends who saw the article in the Laurel Gazette and dropped by to see what it was all about. I must say that I am quite proud of the fact that I didn't give up and pressed through to the end. You know what they say, "A chunky boy can survive!" The best news of the whole event is that many people are going to benefit from the medical clinic in Lagos. Many thanks to everyone who made Hoops 4 Hope an event to remember! Someone asked me what I was going to do next. So I've been thinking...move over Kobayashi I feel like some hot dogs!

The Laurel Gazette ran an article on the Hoops 4 Hope event coming up tomorrow. You can read it here. Special thanks to Tim Gelles for the positive publicity.

"Blessed are the flexible for they are not easily broken." Unknown

1. Shepherds provide for the sheep.

A. I shall not want. This speaks of contentment. Not only are the sheep cared for but they are so content that they don’t even desire anything more. They are completely and totally content. Contentment should be the hallmark for every believer (1 Tim.6:6-10). The shepherd is constantly looking out for the sheep night and day. Some sheep become discontent and seek to leave the pasture. They constantly are trying to find holes in and around the fence to escape through. Eventually other sheep see this behavior and begin to follow his example. Why is it that we are always looking to transgress the boundaries God has given us? Why do we always look for greener pastures? If this behavior continues the shepherd will have to butcher the rebellious one so that the whole flock may be saved.
B. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Sheep are very timid animals and they won’t lay down until four requirements are met:

1). The sheep must be free from fear. Sheep are very skiddish animals. If a jackrabbit bounces out from behind a bush it can so panic a ewe that it can stampede a whole flock. When one runs others don’t even bother to see what scared him they just follow behind him in blind panic. But the presence of the shepherd puts the sheep at ease.
2). The sheep must be free from tension. In every animal group there is an established order of dominance. In sheep terminology it is a butting order. Generally the dominant one of the flock will be an old ewe. She maintains her dominance by butting other lambs and driving them away from the best grazing fields. Then other sheep see this example and use the same methods to maintain their positions within the flock. This causes there to be all sort of tension so that the sheep cannot lie down and rest because they are always worried about defending their positions. But when the shepherd comes into view he attracts the attention of the sheep. They take their eyes off of each other and they stop fighting.
3). The sheep must be free from distraction. In the summer time sheep can be driven to distraction by flies and ticks. A good shepherd applies various types of insect repellent to his sheep. He will also see to it that they are dipped to clean their fleeces from parasites and ticks. The shepherd will also make sure that he finds shade under a tree or near a bush for the sheep to lie down in so that they will be protected from the insects. The enemy uses all manner of distraction to keep us from pursuing God’s mission for our life and His church. This requires extra care from the shepherd.
4). The sheep must be free from hunger. Most breeds of sheep flourish in dry, semi-arid regions. In these areas it uncommon to find green pastures so the shepherd had to build green pastures. This required tremendous labor, time and skill on the part of the shepherd. Green pastures were created by clearing rough and rocky land, tearing out brush, removing roots and stumps, plowing and preparing the soil and seeding and planting. In the middle of a desert place God will build for you green pastures. He fed the Israelites for 40 years in the desert. He built a land flowing with milk and honey in Canaan for them.

C. He leads me beside still waters. Sheep require water. Water determines the vigor, vitality and strength of the sheep. If the supply of water drops off the body will begin to dehydrate which leads to death. The shepherd knows where the best drinking water is so he leads the sheep there to drink. But if the sheep is not led to pure water to drink his thirst will drive him to drink from polluted streams where they will pick up internal parasites. Water comes from three places:
1). Dew on the grass. The sheep rise very early in the morning to feed on the grass when the dew drenches the ground.
2). Deep wells. They drink from deep wells that never run dry. Jesus said that He would give us a well springing up to eternal life.
3). Springs or streams. In the middle of desert place shepherds will often find springs or streams for the sheep to drink from. When we are in desert places God has promised that we will not perish (Isa.41:17-18). When the children of Israel came to Elim they found 12 springs to drink from that quenched their thirst (Ex.15:27) and 70 palm trees that gave them shade.