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Type THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF1ST Samuel 17:40 and 4340 “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip: and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”43 “ And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou commest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.”As our ministries grow and areas expand we have offered employment positions to the members of our congregation that have shown loyalty and faithfulness. These positions are not jobs, they are parts of ministry and the difference between ministry and work is so vast it cannot be measured. A job requires that a portion of the employees day be set aside for the employer. However, working in ministry requires the commitment of a life to the service of God and His ministry. Reaching the world with the gospel requires church staff members that not only have the vision of the man of God but also the ability to follow instructions with a strong understanding of their responsibilities. Staff members must recognize their dedication to the work of God as an opportunity to serve. They do not have to work they get to work. The value of service results in a stronger area of ministry and a successful Church as a whole. Staff that understand their value to the Pastor, the First Lady and the congregation will serve with zeal and respect.To illustrate the Spiritual area of service God reveals some interesting truth in the account of David and his choices before facing Goliath.In 1st Samuel 17:40 it first says that David took his staff in his hand. The word staff is from the Hebrew word meaning staves. It is defined as to lean upon by shepherds. Number 1: The Shepherd used a staff that was strong enough to be leaned upon. Hebrew 11:21 says that By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.Next 1st Samuel 17:40 says, and he chose five smooth stones. This statement is interesting because in the Hebrew language, the word smooth is a noun and not an adjective. It represents a person place or thing and is defined from the root word flatter. When making flatter a noun it becomes flatterer.(One who flatters) The word stone is from the Hebrew defined as a sacred object and represents strength, firmness, and solidity. Number 2: A Shepard chooses those to serve that will flatter him. Not flatter, as to speak wonderful things about the Shepard with words but to flatter meaning speak wonderful things about the Shepard in behavior. This includes life style, ability to serve and the relationship with God the Father. A compliment must be in appearance and in work ethics. 2 Chronicles 9:3 and 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. Number 3: A Shepard chooses those to serve that are strong, firm, and solid. David chose stones. In the Hebrew stones are sacred objects. Samuel set up stones as a memorial where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines. 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Next 1st Samuel 17:40 says, ...out of the Brook,Brook is defined as torrent, valley. The moving water from the Brook changed the surface of the stones. David choose stones that had the rough edges removed.Number 4: A Shepard chooses those to serve that have been through trails in life and have had the rough edges removed. They have been proven but are not in despair having been victorious in Jesus. 2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.Next 1st Samuel 17:40 says,...and putPut, is a word that can be easily overlooked, however the Hebrew language honors this word with an extensive definition. It is described as set, lay, direct extend, ordain, establish, found, appoint constitute, make determine, set station and to set in place. When we hire employees this is exactly what we are doing. We are putting them in place. The definition continues; to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, and to bring to pass. Finally it is appoint and give. David put the five stones in his shepherd’s bag. Number 5: The shepherd appoints his staff and places them in the area’s necessary for the Ministry. Es 8:2 And the king took off his ring, which he had take n from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. Next 1st Samuel 17:40 says,...them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip:There are a number of very important areas in this portion of the scripture. First is the mention of the shepherd’s bag. The word shepherd is defined in the Hebrew , to pasture, tend graze, and feed a flock. It is also defined in this context as a ruler or teacher. The word bag refers to a vessel or Kel-ee. Bag is defined as “armorbearer”, an interesting translation especially because we are discussion the appointment of the Shepherd’s staff.Finally Scrip is the same word as bag but extends the value of what is in the bag. A purse, pouch, a receptacle. Number 6: The Shepherd appoints a staff that understand their value to him and the ministry. The staff also understands the work and dedication of the Pastor. The word shepherd is translated only once in the Old Testament from the word Shepherd.. Jeremiah 17:16 As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee:...Next 1st Samuel 17:40 says... and his sling was in his hand and he drew near to the Philistine.Sling is exactly a sling. Defined in the Hebrew as a form of throwing but the hand is defined as a means of strength. As we continue to read in verse 43 we will notice that Goliath was completely insulted because all he could see was the Shepherd’s Staff. He asks, “Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?” And in verse 45 David answers,...”But I come to thee in the name of the LORD of host, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” David had prepared himself for battle and had chosen his weapons well. Notes for Staff Members:Jeremiah 48:17 asks, how is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful Rod?--The answer is in verse 10, “cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully.” or Paste your work here...