He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
When is the last time you recognized God as the Rock of your life?
Maybe it's been a while.
For many of us the analogy may be a little strange. In our western world at least, few live in conditions where rocks are that visible or talked about. We may see the occasional rock garden, river bed, or decorative wall. But even in those cases, rocks are more a matter of beauty or style. The fact that rocks are present in the concrete that surrounds us or the foundations that give stability to our buildings is out of sight, and mostly, out of mind.
Because of this we may walk oblivious to the strong comfort enclosed in this image.
However, one thing is clear: The men and women of Bible days considered it of utmost importance and encouraged each other with it often.
Moses opens his eloquent song about Jehovah's uniqueness with the powerful statement that He is the Rock. He continues to hammer away at the theme by mentioning it six other times in the chapter. But he was not the first. Jacob introduced us to the title when he blessed Joseph in Gen. 49. Centuries later Hannah picked up the baton as she thanked the Lord for giving her baby Samuel, saying, "neither is there any rock like our God." David wasn't going to be left out either, and ascribed this same imagery to his heavenly King at least two dozen times in the Psalms.
As we flip over into the New Testament we run into the metafor right away, in Matthew's record of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus closes it with a parable in which He compares obedience to His teaching with wisely building a house on a rock. Finally, Paul adds a fresh perspective to the theme when he identifies the reason behind Israel's miraculous survival in the desert as the Rock that followed them, whose name was Christ.
So the children of God were people of the Rock.
In its shade they found refuge from danger and adversity. When being attacked by enemies or surrounded by conflict, they came to find shelter in the secret place of the Most High.
On the Rock they were protected from shifting sands of circumstances. The flash floods of national catastrophes or personal accidents would come, but they could anchor their attitudes on the solid doctrines of His character.
Out of it came spiritual water and food for their souls. The written Word of the prophets or their audible preaching was the expression of the divine will and brought strength to their hearts.
They were safe. They were secure. They were satisfied.
No wonder they sang about their Rock!
How about me? Am I standing on the Rock?
My attitudes in daily life will answer that question.
Dear Father, I want to echo the words of Your servants in past ages, honestly and intelligently. My tendency to think and act in either self sufficiency or exasperation is an insult to You and a clear expression of my pride. I praise You for being the Rock on which my forgiveness and eternal hope stand firm. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Andy
When is the last time you recognized God as the Rock of your life?
Maybe it's been a while.
For many of us the analogy may be a little strange. In our western world at least, few live in conditions where rocks are that visible or talked about. We may see the occasional rock garden, river bed, or decorative wall. But even in those cases, rocks are more a matter of beauty or style. The fact that rocks are present in the concrete that surrounds us or the foundations that give stability to our buildings is out of sight, and mostly, out of mind.
Because of this we may walk oblivious to the strong comfort enclosed in this image.
However, one thing is clear: The men and women of Bible days considered it of utmost importance and encouraged each other with it often.
Moses opens his eloquent song about Jehovah's uniqueness with the powerful statement that He is the Rock. He continues to hammer away at the theme by mentioning it six other times in the chapter. But he was not the first. Jacob introduced us to the title when he blessed Joseph in Gen. 49. Centuries later Hannah picked up the baton as she thanked the Lord for giving her baby Samuel, saying, "neither is there any rock like our God." David wasn't going to be left out either, and ascribed this same imagery to his heavenly King at least two dozen times in the Psalms.
As we flip over into the New Testament we run into the metafor right away, in Matthew's record of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus closes it with a parable in which He compares obedience to His teaching with wisely building a house on a rock. Finally, Paul adds a fresh perspective to the theme when he identifies the reason behind Israel's miraculous survival in the desert as the Rock that followed them, whose name was Christ.
So the children of God were people of the Rock.
In its shade they found refuge from danger and adversity. When being attacked by enemies or surrounded by conflict, they came to find shelter in the secret place of the Most High.
On the Rock they were protected from shifting sands of circumstances. The flash floods of national catastrophes or personal accidents would come, but they could anchor their attitudes on the solid doctrines of His character.
Out of it came spiritual water and food for their souls. The written Word of the prophets or their audible preaching was the expression of the divine will and brought strength to their hearts.
They were safe. They were secure. They were satisfied.
No wonder they sang about their Rock!
How about me? Am I standing on the Rock?
My attitudes in daily life will answer that question.
Dear Father, I want to echo the words of Your servants in past ages, honestly and intelligently. My tendency to think and act in either self sufficiency or exasperation is an insult to You and a clear expression of my pride. I praise You for being the Rock on which my forgiveness and eternal hope stand firm. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Andy
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