The shepherd of the sheep has a cane with a hook on one end whereby he can grab stray sheep and pull those sheep back to places of safety. Otherwise when that sheep wanders off the path, a lion might feast on that sheep.
I Peter 5:7-9 Casting all your care upon HIM; for HE careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
God's rod and staff that keep us on the highway of God are the Holy Scriptures, the Word from God. The scriptures are the highway signs showing us the way to go if we drift off the road.
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