- Comfort
Psalm 23.4
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
The Holy Spirit is the “Comforter” promised by the Good Shepherd. The Holy Spirit uses a shepherd’s rod and a shepherd’s staff to comfort me, the frightened and worried sheep. This comfort is so powerful that not only do we not fear evil but also we are built up with comfort, courage, and confidence (He is with us). The presence of the Lord is the sweetest blessedness, the brightest bliss, and the perfect peace. Because He is with us we can walk through the dark valley of the shadow of death as though it were conquered territory (which it is). Fear not death: it cannot separate. Fear not Sin: it cannot condemn.
The Rod is the Holy Spirit; the Staff is the Word of God. The Word and the Spirit bring comfort in every time of need. One instructs and one witnesses. Both actions are necessary to keep us dumb sheep on track and in safety. With the Rod He gathers the sheep and rules the flock, giving warnings and promptings with threats and brandishing and with jabs and pokes. The Rod is His power, His ownership, and His presence. When the sheep recognize each of those three characteristics of the Good Shepherd they are comforted. His Power: I am secure under His power over all my enemies; His Ownership: I am comforted with the remembrance that He is responsible for me; His Presence: no greater comfort or stronger security is available than resting in His Presence.
With the Staff (as the Word) the Shepherd rescues (with the crook), and protects (beating the enemy), and generally helps in every time of need. This activity of the Word comforts us when we need comfort. I may not always see the shepherd clearly nearby, so the standard of a large, crooked staff stands taller and is easily seen and felt in the tumble of daily life. Opening the Word to hear His warning and protection and believe His promises brings great comfort. Jesus’ Word and His Spirit: they comfort me.