How to FOLLOW God's Leading: The Rod & Staff // Good Shepherd Series (Part 4) // Pastor Drew

🙌🏻 "The Shepherd doesn’t use the rod to enslave the sheep; He uses it to free them. His discipline is not a sign of His anger, but a proof of His presence and a guarantee of His protection." In Part 4 of our Good Shepherd series, Pastor Drew tackles a phrase that often makes us uncomfortable: "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." How can a rod used for discipline be a source of comfort? By examining the traditional tools of a Middle Eastern shepherd, we discover the profound difference between God's gentle guidance (the Staff) and His protective discipline (the Rod). We often flee from correction, but for a sheep in the wilderness, an inactive shepherd is a dangerous shepherd. This message explores how to discern God’s leading in your life, why the "hard path" is often the one that leads to the lushest pastures, and how to avoid becoming a "cast sheep"—stuck in your own comfort and unable to move. If you feel like you are in a valley of transition or conviction, this word will help you recognize the Shepherd’s voice amidst the noise. -------------------------------------------- 🐑 The Shepherd’s Tools: A Breakdown 1️⃣ The Staff (Guidance): The long stick with a crook used for gentle touches, points of contact, and looping around the neck to guide sheep away from subtle dangers. It represents God's whispers and gentle course correction. 2️⃣ The Rod (Protection & Discipline): The shorter, heavier tool kept at the hip for urgent matters—driving off predators or correcting a rebellious sheep that is heading for a cliff. It represents God’s firm conviction and his defense of the flock. 3️⃣ The Sling (Destruction of the Enemy): A tool used exclusively for the wolves and bears, never on the sheep. This reminds us that God fights for us, even when He is disciplining us. -------------------------------------------- 📖 Scripture References Psalm 23 : 3-4 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PSA.23.3-4.ESV Proverbs 3: 11-12 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PRO.3.11-12.ESV Proverbs 22 : 15 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PRO.22.15.ESV Hebrews 12 : 11 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/HEB.12.11.ESV John 10 : 27 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.10.27.ESV Psalm 139 : 23 - 24 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PSA.139.23-24.ESV -------------------------------------------- 00:00 - Love Into the Light: The Easter Challenge 05:53 - Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 07:40 - The Rod & The Staff: How God Leads Us 10:44 - The Shepherd’s Staff: Gentle Guidance & Connection 15:10 - The Shepherd’s Rod: Discipline & Protection 19:30 - The Sling: Destruction of the Enemy 25:20 - 3 Questions to Discern God’s Leading 39:40 - There is Freedom in His Rod & Staff ------------------------------------ For any information, how to connect, and/or prayer requests: https://form.church/youcollectiveomaha We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on: - Website: https://www.collectiveomaha.com - Facebook: https://facebook.com/collectiveomaha - Instagram: @collectiveomaha - Email: [email protected] - Youtube: https://youtube.com/collectiveomaha - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4M9KbSOFHBViC4UTzsOvIK?si=fdb9dd2cf24c46f0 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collective-church-omaha/id1792027778