Third, At times, a shepherd may need to lead the sheep through difficult places. To face these various challenges a shepherd carried two simple but versatile implements: His staff was useful for support, picking off branches, snagging a trapped animal with the crook, or redirecting misbehaving members of the herd. The staff became a symbol for the protective presence of the shepherd (ps.23:4). It is very important to use God’s word as a staff to guide and protect the flocks. Teach them the right thing and guide them in a right path. The word of God will teach, correct and give instructions (2Tim. 3:16). It is very important to have Shepherd’s presence, protection, provision and guidance among the flocks.