A.
The
Rod
- A strong sapling with the roots whittled down to make a
club - it could be thrown with amazing speed and
accuracy.
[1].
A symbol of Strength and Authority (Ex.
4:1-5,17,20) - So the scriptures must be the
Rod!
[2]. Used to discipline - If the shepherd saw
the sheep wandering away, or approaching poisonous
weeds, or getting too close to danger, the rod would
go whistling thru the air to remind the sheep of the
parameters. There is a great blessing knowing the
boundaries (Exe. 20:33-38). Does not the Word
discipline us?
[3]. Used to examine us - The skilled shepherd
took his rod and parted the wool to look close to
determine the condition of the skin etc. You cannot
"pull the wool over His eyes" (Ps. 139:23,24) - The
Word looks below the surface.
[4]. It is an instrument of protection both
for himself and the sheep - The skilled shepherd uses
his rod to drive off predators. After a life time of
being under the protection of the book, it will
comfort you in the valley.
B.
The
Staff
- Is essentially a symbol of concern. Normally a
long, slender stick, often with a crook or hook on one
end. A picture of the Holy Spirit - do not go without it
(Ex. 12:11).
[1].
Draws sheep together into an intimate relationship -
The shepherd uses his staff to gently lift a newborn
lamb and bring it to its mother without leaving human
scent and risking rejection. The Holy Spirit is
intrinsically involved in the new birth process (Jn.
3:1-8).
[2]. Used for guiding sheep (Jud. 6:19-23 -
confirmation) thru difficult terrain and passages. It
is not an instrument to beat with, but to touch with
and often used to stay in touch - after years of
salvation sensing the touch of the Spirit - the valley
of death will be one of shadows (Rom. 8:16).
[3]. An instrument of rescue - on steep
cliffs, brambles, etc.
[4]. Connected with faith - (Heb.
11:21)
Death is
the last enemy - (1 Cor. 15:25-26; Song Sol.
2:4)
What will
not prepare you for death!
A.
Prominence (Acts 26:27-28) - Becoming a Christian is
the result of persuading (Acts 28:23-24), the more
prominent, the more difficult it is to be persuaded. In
the New Testament it was always the common people who
responded.
B.
Religion (Jn. 3) - notice what's missing in the
equation - ceremony etc.
[1].
A time experience
[2]. No past
[3]. A new beginning
[4]. A new name
C.
Works (Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5-8)
-
At Princess Di's funeral there was no sermon, only the
briefest illusion to "Christ, who died for you." the
emphasis was on works!
- Mother
Theresa lived more righteous than most, I applaud her
works, but it is not her works that need to be
emulated to die with salvation. But for sake of
conversation, let's say she is the standard - Jesus
told the rich young ruler to sell what he had and give
to the poor - have you done it? You better be thankful
it's "not of works".
Thank God
these are not the necessary ingredients, for if they
were could you qualify?
