Where Is Your Staff?

Sunday night Pastor Dan spoke about the shepherd's staff. He pointed out that there is a beautiful word picture in Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff. This chapter in Hebrews, chapter 11, has often been named the "The Hall of Faith" ~ listing several individuals in the Bible who showed a great faith in God. The Bible makes mention here that Jacob "leaned" upon his staff.

In Bible times, the staff was a means of support; it was also a means of protection ~ giving peace and security. For us, our staff is God’s Word. It is not just another book. It is the inspired Word of God ~ II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The Bible supports in times of trouble. It helps us stand during the tough times ~ Psalm 119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. How often have I gone to the Word when I felt so weary I didn’t think I could make it ~ when I felt like throwing in the towel. It is salve for the wounds and balm for the soul. Oh, the years I didn’t use the "staff" in times of trouble!

The Bible is also our means of defense. In Ephesians 6:13 it says Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day. And then in verse 17 it says And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which IS THE WORD OF GOD. If we are not reading our Bible our shield or "force field" will be weakened or down all together. Our staff defends against sin ~ against spiritual warfare ~ against the enemies of our God.

Don’t forsake your staff. From someone who spent many years forsaking hers, you will never truly be equipped with the troubles and even dangers in life ~ so learn from my mistakes ~ hold on to your staff ~ hold on to God’s Word ~ let it be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path and you can’t go wrong.

Remember ~

The Word of God will keep you from sin OR sin will keep you from the Word of God.