Cassie L. Wilson

Learning to be the light

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The Shepherd’s Rod: a tool of biblical correction?

November 25, 2022

Inside: a biblical examination of what the shepherd’s rod is and what it is not

I genuinely hope this post comes across seasoned with grace. I absolutely mean no harm to anyone, ever.

But this is a topic I have been simmering on for weeks. Seriously, I have had to ask several Christian friends their opinions and perspectives on this.

What’s the topic? 

The shepherd’s rod.

More specifically, how is the rod used? And is it biblically accurate to say it can be used to break the legs of the sheep?

Friends, the answers to my questions, and my own experiences have genuinely left me heartbroken.

We have to do better, church. 

The Shepherd’s Rod

I was not actually planning to write this post this soon. I had it in mind but planned to post it in the spring. However, it seems there are several more people out there with the same questions about the shepherd’s rod that I had.

Take this Twitter thread, for example. 

And so, I knew it was time to make the post. 

The Purpose of the Shepherd’s Rod in Bible Times

A shepherd’s purpose is to care for and protect his or her flock from predators. In today’s times, shepherds have it much easier because of the invention of modern-day technology. But historically, a shepherd would have used a rod to aid their sheep herding duties.

In Bible times, shepherds used the rod to:

  • Scare away predatory animals 
  • Count sheep
  • Closer examine a sheep’s wool and skin
  • Mark the sheep with dye
  • Gently guide or push sheep back into the appropriate path 

Biblically, Psalm 23:4 famously says, “thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”

Which is a good indication of what the spiritual rod is supposed to be for Christians, a thing of comfort and protection.

So, dear reader, why have so many Christians been taught to believe the rod is used for heavy correction? As in the shepherd’s rod can be used to break the legs of wandering or misbehaving sheep?

Why were we taught this line of thinking when real shepherds know if they break the legs of one of the precious members of their flocks, they would essentially be leaving their sheep for dead?

The shepherd's rod | Cassie L Wilson - learning to be the light

Psalm 23:4 does not say, “thy rod and thy staff, they break me.”

Is the spiritual rod really meant to comfort? Or can it be used to wound?

These are the question that sent me down a research rabbit hole. 

The Shepherd’s Rod of Correction 

It seems many of us have been taught those within a position of authority can use the rod to break the legs of a sheep. 

When we think about this in spiritual terms, this line of thinking essentially translates to those within a position of authority hold the biblical right to correct members of their congregation by any means necessary– including hurting and wounding them both spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. 

Should a shepherd break the legs of the sheep?

The thought of the shepherd breaking the legs of the sheep is supposed to be combined with the idea of the shepherd nurturing the wounded sheep and bringing it back to health. As the sheep heals from its inflictions, he or she will form a more trusting bond with the one that broke them.

During this time of healing, the wounded sheep is supposed to learn to trust the shepherd and know his voice and commands. 

However, let’s think about this line of thinking in terms of parenting for a second, okay? 

For example, a parent has a child that is prone to wandering off in a store. Clearly, this is a huge safety issue, as anyone with bad intentions could snatch the kid up and kidnap him. But, instead of the parent taking loving measures to ensure the child’s safety, such as holding his hand and guiding him through the store, the parent takes the child home and beats him. The parent uses some kind of rod to beat the child until his leg is broken. At that point, the child cannot walk, accomplishing the parent’s goal: keep the kid from wandering.

Sounds kind of like misconstrued thinking, right? 

That’s because it is. 

No sane person would think this is a good way to parent a child. Not only is it illegal, but it is highly abusive. 

So, why has this same concept been applied to Christian teaching? Why has the rod gone from a symbol of comfort and protection to one of heavy-handed correction?

Using a rod to beat down a fellow brother or sister in Christ with the intent to wound them to keep them in line is not loving correction.

It is abuse. And it is wrong.

Is It Biblical?

Very rarely have I seen this concept play out with the shepherd nursing the wounded sheep back to health. Instead, the wounded sheep are often left to fend for themselves. They’re expected to pick up their broken pieces and fall back into line. If not, they can be sure more “loving correction” is coming. 

But what happens when a wounded sheep (I’m talking about real animals here) lags behind or lies about?

They become easy prey for predators if the shepherd doesn’t slaughter the wounded sheep first.

And wounded Christians?

Also, easy prey for the predator of our souls, considering the Bible does say in 1 Peter 5:8 the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

I know at this point you might be thinking, “But Cassie. There are scriptures to back up the rod of correction. And sometimes those in authority need to correct a flock member.”

And I will agree with you. 

There are clear and unfortunate occurrences when a person within a position of authority must correct a congregation member. 

But in those times, leadership must be careful. Leadership needs to be sure their fellow brother or sister in Christ has clearly broken an actual commandment before making any kind of accusation. 

And not only that, but leadership must also be careful to follow Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 18:15-20 on the proper way to handle such situations. Especially if the thing that needs “correcting” isn’t even a primary biblical principle. 

Jesus, The Good Shepherd

If we look at John 21, we see Jesus instructing Peter to take care of His sheep. Jesus did not tell Peter to beat His sheep with the shepherd’s rod. Instead, Jesus instructed Peter to feed the lambs and the sheep and to watch out for them.

He wanted Peter to care for His flock just as He did. He wanted Peter to love them, encourage them, and guide them.

Just as Jesus did.

Nowhere in John 21 do we find Jesus asking Peter to wound or offend sheep to keep them in line. I’m convinced Jesus is too loving to intentionally wound us spiritually like that. 

In fact, we know Jesus is too loving to do something like that because He tells us He is. His parable of the Lost Sheep (found in Matthew 18 and again in Luke 15) tells us Jesus rejoiced over finding the lost one. He did not beat the sheep into submission for the punishment of being out of line. 

Instead, He joyfully carried it back to the fold. 

Not only does Jesus not beat the sheep with the rod, but if you read all of Matthew 18, particularly Matthew 18:6, He also warns us not to intentionally or needlessly offend others.

How do those with the shepherd’s rod intentionally offend, you ask?

By guilting, shaming, manipulating, and humiliating. 

Guilting, shaming, manipulating, and humiliating is not loving and leading, friend. 

Read that again and really let it sink in.

Leave the Correction to God

I am not entirely sure why this concept of the shepherd’s rod being used to wound the sheep has been taught in so many churches, although I have my suspicions. That’s a whole other future blog post.`

You might even be tempted to say that Hebrews 12:4-11 justifies a person within a position of authority using the spiritual rod to correct his congregation, but, dear reader, it does not. 

Hebrew 12:4-11 mentions God correcting his sons and daughters, not anyone else. We can be sure that while God’s discipline might not feel good at the time, it is necessary and will be used for our good and our spiritual growth.

Friend, it is not our place to pass judgment and punishment onto others. When we do that, we essentially pluck the rod right out of the Good Shepherd’s hands and try to do His job for him.

When we try to be God, we really make a mess of things– including turning others away from the Lord completely. 

We are called to be a light, not a harm

It grieves my heart to know so many of us have been taught this line of thinking. And it bothers me even more that so many of us have also been victims of the rod. Especially when it was never intended to be used in that way. 

Spiritual abuse is a very real thing.

Friends, we have to do better. We simply cannot get by with parroting the same questionable ideas we’ve heard for years without taking a hard look at the scripture to find the biblical foundation of these ideas. Some of these ideas, like this one, are extremely harmful.

We’re called to guide and love, friends. Let’s leave the rod of correction in Jesus’ hand and do our best to simply be a light. 

Shine bright.

Love, Cassie

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Filed Under: Spiritual Abuse Tagged: Abuse Recovery, Bible Study, Christian, Christian Living, Jesus, Spiritual Abuse

Why You Need to Share Your Story

May 10, 2021

Share your story.

Really, friend, share. your. story. You have no idea who needs to hear what God has done for you.

And, here’s why:

In the third chapter of Acts, the Bible tells us of a man who was crippled at birth. Throughout the chapter, we learn this man sat daily at the gate of the temple asking for alms. In other words, he begged.

Day after day, the man sat at the gate hoping someone — anyone — would have compassion on him that day and offer him some sort of help. Either, money, food, or maybe even shelter.

If he sat in the same spot on the regular, it is pretty safe to say the area that he sat in was a high traffic area. It’s also pretty safe to say the man was a familiar fixture at the gates of the temple.

The people knew him.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Encouragement Tagged: Bible Study, Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Hope, Jesus Christ, Purpose, Sharing, Story

When You Need to Be Specific in Prayer like Hannah

August 4, 2018

My fellow blogger, Stephanie over at Read Cook Devour, has a new bible study out called Undivided: A Study in 1 Samuel.  We can learn a lot by reading and studying 1 Samuel,– prayer is just one of those things we can learn about.  Be sure to read all the way through the post to learn more Stephanie’s study!

So, friend, earlier in the week my Mom and I were discussing a situation that needs some prayer.

Now, if you know anything at all about prayer and how God works, sometime’s He’ll answer your prayer in a way that you don’t necessarily expect Him to.

Mom mentioned that when we pray for this situation, we need to be very specific in how we phrase our request when taking it to the throne of God.

Honestly, I had to giggle a little bit.  Her words basically reinforced exactly what I’ve been learning about in my study of 1 Samuel.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Faith Tagged: Bible Study, Faith, Old Testament, Prayer

When You Need to Remember to Trust God

July 14, 2018

Trusting God. Why do we, as Christians, sometimes have trouble with just simply remembering to trust God?

Do you know, friend, what’s one thing that’s super important that we, as followers of Christ, need to do?

Any guesses?  Okay, fine.  I’ll tell you.

The answer is: trust God.

I know, I know.  That’s kind of How to Be a Christian 101, right?

But, why do so many of us struggle with that?  Yes.  Me, included.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Confessions of Cassie, Encouragement Tagged: Bible Study, Encouragement, Faith, God, Hope, Nahum, Plan, Trust

Why You Should Try This Scripture Writing Challenge

June 16, 2018

Have you taken a scripture writing challenge yet?

Alright. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we? (Or, if you’ve been hanging around the Wilson’s, let’s open up those filing cabinets and dig deeeep into the memories.)

Remember back in the day when you had weekly spelling tests? Wait… do kids even have spelling tests now? Anyway, spelling tests. How did you prepare for them? Did you just look at the list of words and commit it to memory? Or did you do like I did and write the word over and over until you learned it?

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Faith Tagged: Bible Study, Christian Living, Facebook Groups, Faith, Scripture Writing Challenge

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Cassie L. Wilson

Cassie Wilson

Christian. Writer. Fly fisher. Sweet tea enthusiast. Middle child. Lover of all things green.

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Gather ‘round. It’s story time. Several mont Gather ‘round. It’s story time. 

Several months ago, I was visiting my boyfriend’s church when the pastor began talking about being stuck in the hallway. 

You know, the “hallway”?

Those moments in life we’re you’re just stuck. It’s dark, you don’t know which way to turn, which way to go, and all the doors seems to be closed. 

Those moments when you just have to surrender and let the Lord work in your life. 

Yeah, that kind of hallway. 

When the pastor was talking about this, something struck my heart and it just felt like the words he was speaking were important. 

Back ages ago, one of my favorite preachers said “When the Lord speaks to you, write it down. He’s only obligated to speak to you once.” So, I flipped my Bible open to the front page and I wrote down “The Hallway” and dated it. 

Little did I know that I’d find myself stuck in a literal hallway some three months later. 

I couldn’t go out the way I came in because it was too dangerous. I couldn’t go out the emergency exit because I had no idea what was on the other side of the door.

I was stuck. 

Sometimes life gets this way, too. Maybe we’ve lost a job and we don’t know how we’re going to make it. Or, we’ve lost a loved one or a relationship ended and moving on seems terrifying.

There are umpteen situations in life that can put us in a hallway where we have no idea what to do. 

But, God was in the hallway.

Philippians 4:7 talks about the peace that passes all understanding. I’ve read this verse a hundred times, but I don’t know that I truly knew what it meant until I was stuck in that hallway. 

When I began to pray, a peace came over me and I knew we’d be okay. I knew I had to trust Him. 

God is in the hallway. 

When all seems hopeless, He is there. 

When all seems lost, He is there. 

When you don’t know what to do, He. Is. There. 

God is in YOUR hallway, too. 

He knows where you are. He knows how to bring you out. He knows when to send the peace at just the right time. 

You just have to trust Him. 

He can and will bring you to the other side. 

#shinebright #learningtobethelight
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by p “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

Oh, friend, what if we actually lived like Philippians 4:6? 
 
What if we actually trusted Him with 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 in our lives?

I’m not just talking about the big prayers that you absolutely need God to take care of because you can’t do it on your own. 

I’m talking about the little things, too. The things that seem insignificant, but are actually really big things in the grand scheme of it all. 

What if we turned it all over and learned —really learned— to lean on Him to provide? 

Imagine what a difference that would make. Not just for you, but those around you. 

Wow. 

World changing. 

What verse has stuck out to you lately? 

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” If you h “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

If you have kept up with my stories this week, you know I’m attempting the @biblereadingchallenge. The goal is to read the entire Bible in one academic year. 

Today’s readings came from Genesis 17-20 and John 10-11.

In Genesis 18, we find God, himself, asking, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” 

God was trying to prove to Abraham and Sarah that He could (and would!) provide them with a child. 

Even in their old age. 

Even in their doubt. 

There was nothing too hard for the Lord. 

But, then in John 11, we find Jesus and Lazarus. 

Well, actually, we don’t find Lazarus until later in the chapter because he had already croaked. He was already in the grave and his family was already grieving. 

But, is there anything too hard for the Lord? 

Even in their grief. 

Even in their doubt.

There was nothing too hard for the Lord.

Even in your circumstances, friend, no matter what those circumstances are there is NOTHING too hard for the Lord.

You can trust Him. Always. 

P.S. have you participated in the #biblereadingchallenge? If so, I want to hear about it! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘦?”
 
Ouch. 

Lately, it seems like every where I turn, I keep being reminded of 1 Kings 19. Yeah, you know, the chapter about Elijah hiding in the cave and feeling all sorts of ways about his life and everything and everyone in it. 

Elijah felt alone. He was discouraged. He thought he was useless. 

How many times have we felt the same way?

Alone. Discouraged. Useless. Good for nothing. 

I tell ya, friend, when discouragement hits, it hits hard. And sometimes it’s not easy to shake. 

I know because there were several years (yes, I said 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴) that I battled m a j o r discouragement. 

Sometimes, when the storm is raging, it’s difficult to see the Son. You 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 He is right there with you, but when you can’t see Him and your faith is dwindling… 𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘰𝘩, 𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩.

It was 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 to be the light when I felt like I couldn’t even find it myself. 

To say I hit a low point is an understatement. 

But, it’s often when we are at our lowest that God has the greatest work for us to do. 

God wasn’t done with Elijah. And, He’s not done with you (or me!), either.

There is a purpose for you. 

There is hope for you.

What doest thou here, friend? 

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
“…the patient in spirit is better than the pro “…the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” — Ecclesiastes 7:8

Pro tip: never, ever pray for patience because the Lord WILL answer that prayer. 😂

Kidding aside, learning to be patient and wait on the Lord is tough, but it’s one of the best things we can do as Christians.

Whether we want to accept it or not, God has a plan for our lives. And His plan is way better than anything we could have come up with ourselves. 

But, His plan often requires that we are patient and wait for His leading. 

Impatience will lead us to a whole world of trouble. It will lead to heartache, unnecessary sorrow, and unwanted suffering. (Ask me how I know…)

The Lord knows what is best for us. Always. Trust Him. 

Stay patient, my friend! 

What book of the Bible are you currently studying? 👇🏼

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
There’s just something special about finding the There’s just something special about finding the most appropriate Bible verse right as you’re listening to your mom teach the Sunday School kids about the paralyzed man who’s friends tore a roof off a building to get him to Jesus. 
•
“In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even unto his ears.” - Psalm 18:6
•
The story of the paralytic man goes like this: his friends were carrying him on a bed to Jesus. But, because it was so crowded with everyone else trying to get to Jesus, they couldn’t get him there. Instead, they decided to carry him to the roof and where they would tear the roof off and lower him in. Once Jesus saw this, He had compassion on the paralytic man and healed him. 
•
My mom was teaching the Sunday School kids about how we need to be an encouraging friend to others. I mean, in this day and time, you never really know who just needs to see your smile and who needs your prayers. 
•
But, as I was sitting in the floor trying to figure out something for mom, my eyes landed on Psalm 18:6. 
•
“In my distress, I called upon the Lord… and my cry came before him.”
•
The Bible tells us that it was crowded where Jesus was. It was probably chaotic. It was likely overwhelming.  And, it was probably discouraging knowing you needed to get to Jesus, but the way seemed impossible. 
•
But, yet, Jesus healed the man anyway. He knew his cries. 
•
When our hearts are overwhelmed, when our minds are full of fear and anxiety, when the stress of the day (or week or year) is crowding up our minds, or when we are oh, so very discouraged, we can call to Him and He will hear us.
•
Sure, it was a crowded mess and looked impossible for the paralytic man to get to Jesus. But, Jesus had already heard his cry. He already had a solution for him. He knew exactly how to help him. And so He did. 
•
Jesus knows how to help us, too. Even when the world is falling apart around us. 
•
He still hears our cries. 
•
#shinebright #learningtobethelight
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