In the United States, disease, predators, hunger, weather, poisoning and even getting stuck on their backs cause half a million sheep to die every year.

Today, just as long ago, two main tools are used by shepherds to protect sheep.

The rod, a chosen sapling cut and carved to fit precisely into the grasp of its owner can be hurled at predatory beasts, used to knock the heads of snakes, and thrown between sheep and poisonous weeds. It also helps shepherds dig through sheep’s wool to inspect problems hidden beneath.

The staff is a stick shaped with a crook on one end. Unlike the authoritative tool that a rod is, the staff is a guide. It can lift newborn lambs and place them beside their mother. It can press sheep toward new paths. It’s even held alongside favored lambs, as a sort of “hand holding” gesture.

These tools were so common in Jewish life, Jesus used them as metaphors for God’s care. His words, like the rod, knock temptations away, lead us from sin and find the flaws in our spirit that need God’s first aid. His Spirit, like the staff, connects us to other Believers, pulls us close to Him and gives us peace.

Our Good Shepherd’s words and Spirit keep us safe; nothing can snatch us from His hands.