Psalm 23—Week 7 The Shepherd's Tools

This is part of the worship series, 
"Psalm 23"

Series Introduction 
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 
Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10
Week 11 | Week 12

Week 7

The Shepherd’s Tools

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4c).

Weekly Email

The sheep is comforted not only by the shepherd’s presence, but also by the instruments of his profession. These are the tools the shepherd uses to guide the sheep, fend off attacks, and make paths. What tools does God use to accomplish God’s will that bring you comfort? God can use any part of this created world as a tool to accomplish God’s will, but when you look back on your life, what do you see God working through? Daily devotions? Christian fellowship? Worship services? Parents and/or Christian mentors? Sunsets or the view from a mountaintop? Isn’t it wonderful that the comfort and assurance of God’s presence can come to us through things, events, people, and places that surround us every day?

Sermon

Psalm 119: 105–112, 129–136 "Your Decrees are Wonderful"
Sermon notes by Rev. Scott Hoezee are available from the Center for Excellence in Preaching.

Children’s Message

I’m going to start this message by playing some sounds for you. Listen to the sound and then tell me what message that sound is telling you: [siren] [baby crying] [doorbell]. Aren’t our ears incredible? Even without words, you knew what those sounds were saying. I wonder how we can listen to God? Does God show up in your bedroom and tell you to get up in the morning? Does God appear at your elbow and remind you not to lie? Does God give you a hug and tell you he loves you? Not in a way we can see or touch, but we still say that God is there when we wake up, God’s there when we are tempted, God’s there when we need comfort. So what helps us hear God when we need him? [Possible answers: Bible, parents, conscience/Holy Spirit speaking in our hearts.]

Our verse this week from Psalm 23 says, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” A rod and a staff are the tools a shepherd needs to guide and protect his sheep. The sheep looks to those tools to see what the shepherd is doing. This is just like we are listening to the Bible, our pastor, teachers, and parents—and to the Holy Spirit speaking to us in our hearts to hear what God wants and what God is doing. So when you think about the rod and the staff bringing the sheep comfort, think about what you see in your life that shows God is there taking care of you and helping you listen to God.

Song Suggestions

“Speak, O Lord” ^{Getty and Townend}
“Open Your Ears, O Faithful People” ^Jabusch

Prompts for Reflection

Activity Prompt: Find or make a walking stick and take a walk. When is the stick most helpful? When you are on a paved path or when you are off-road? When you are on level ground or when you are going uphill? When would you be tempted to throw the walking stick away? When are you glad you have it? How is this a good metaphor for the things God puts in our life to help us (the Bible, church, parents, etc.)?

Journaling Prompt: Some commentaries discuss how the rod and staff would have two different purposes for a shepherd. The staff would be something to lean on and would be used to guide the sheep. The rod would be used as a weapon to defend the sheep. These are things God does for us: God gives us comfort, gives us direction/guidance, and protects us. Spend some time journaling. When/how does God comfort you? When/how does God give you direction? When/how has God protected you? Faith Practice: Remembering

Family Activity: Make “rods” and “staffs” from popsicle sticks. Alone or in a group, think about what you can do when you need God’s comfort, guidance, or protection. How can we listen to God when we need to hear him? Take ten or more popsicle sticks, separate them into two piles, and find a way to differentiate them using markers or stickers or paint. On “staff” popsicle sticks, write things you can do when you need comfort or guidance. (Is there a particular verse of Scripture that helps? Do you need to take a walk outside? Smell a flower?) On “rod” popsicle sticks, write things you can do when you feel like you need God’s protection (e.g., get a parent’s hug, talk to a friend, remember a verse from Scripture). Put the “rods” and “staffs” in a jar to keep on the kitchen counter, dining room table, or anywhere that is easily accessible to everyone in the house. When you realize you need to listen to God, the rods and staffs can help you. Faith Practice: Listening. 

Revised Common Lectionary

Year A: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 23 (28)
Year B: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 11 (16)
Year C: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter