Twenty-Fourth Day: 'And Thy staff.'
J. Wilbur Chapman emphasizes the shepherd's staff as a symbol of God's guidance, love, and correction in our lives.
J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the significance of the shepherd's staff, symbolizing the Lord's care, rescue, and correction for His people. He emphasizes that our names are known and cherished by God, who lifts us up when we fall and corrects us out of love. Despite our failures, God's love is constant, as seen in the restoration of David and Peter. Chapman encourages believers to view temptation as a compliment, sin as a choice, and to allow God to fight against sin on their behalf.
Text
THE shepherd's staff is his crook, bent or hooked at one end. No shepherd is complete without it. It is used for three different purposes. Beneath it the sheep pass to be counted as they go into the fold. By means of it the sheep fallen into the pit are rescued. In the hands of the shepherd it is sometimes used for correction or punishment.
Let it encourage you this day to know that your name is not unknown to the Lord. In the Old Testament days the high priest wore over his heart the breastplate on which were inscribed the names of the children of Israel. Our names in these New Testament days are written over his heart. God sees us there.
But, alas! in spite of all this, many of us have fallen. David did. Peter did. But He whose name is love stoops to lift us up. You cannot get away from his love. David came up from the pit to write his best psalms, and Peter to preach one of the world's greatest sermons. So may you.
Many of us have needed the rod of correction. If your heart is aching and your home desolate, it would be well to stop and ask whether this is not God speaking to you in this way because you would not hear in any other.
SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY.
1. Remember that temptation is a compliment paid you by the tempter. He sees that there is something in you worth the having, and tempts you that he may gain it.
2. Sin is yielding; it is opening the door, permitting the sinful thought for which you were in no way responsible to tarry with you.
3. Remember that God will take your part against sin if you will let him.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The significance of the shepherd's staff - Three main purposes of the staff - Symbolism of the staff in our lives
- II points: - God's knowledge of our names - The high priest's breastplate - Names written on God's heart
- III points: - The reality of falling into sin - Examples of David and Peter - God's love in lifting us up
- IV points: - The necessity of correction - Understanding God's voice in our struggles - The purpose of hardship in our lives
- V points: - Temptation as a sign of worth - The nature of sin and yielding - God's support against sin
Key Quotes
“Your name is not unknown to the Lord.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“You cannot get away from his love.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“Temptation is a compliment paid you by the tempter.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
Application Points
- Reflect on the significance of God's love and guidance in your life.
- Consider how you respond to correction and what it reveals about your relationship with God.
- Recognize temptation as an opportunity to affirm your worth and strength in Christ.