This morning, I was thinking about all the things that are important to my faith journey. Bible study and prayer top the list, of course. Developing routines like study, relationship building, journaling, service; practicing attributes such as humility, empathy, love – all are central to my spiritual growth. Following Wesley’s three simple rules are critical: Do no harm; do good; stay in love with God. Also necessary is taking care of my physical health, my mental health, my emotional health. I need to embrace forgiveness, rocks, contemplation, music and compassion. Each one is essential in my… wait… what? Rocks?
I surprised myself with that one. Rocks? Really? Where did that come from, and what does that even mean? Rocks are important to my faith journey? I grabbed my Bible and began to search. Clearly that was a stray thought that only means I need more sleep; but as I walked through story after story, I began to see a solid theme of base strength.
Throughout Scripture rocks are strong and foundational. Some are placed as memorials and others used as weapons. They help to create altars for worship, and sometimes they are simply discarded. However described, rocks are often instruments ultimately used for glorifying God.
"You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for your are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, Faithful God." (Psalm 31:3-5, NRSV) While Psalm 31 includes cries against opposition and wails for deliverance from enemies, the psalmist certainly settles into a claim of hope in his steady and substantial Provider and Protector. The hymn includes passionate declarations of faith as God is proclaimed Shelter and Sanctuary.
Through the years, people have brought me rocks from all over the world. “I’m travelling on vacation; what could I bring you as a souvenir?” My typical answer is: “Just bring me a rock.” I think rocks are a great gift. You can find them anywhere you look, they don’t cost anything except the effort to seek them out, and I’m often surprised by their beauty and strength. Rocks are strong enough to provide protection when you use them to build. If you misuse them, people can be devastated. Yet if you spend enough time understanding their makeup and enough effort and care discerning the splendor they may offer, you are bound to see them shine. Now that I think about it, those are the same things that draw me to Jesus.
Thank you God for being rock solid. Lead me, guide me, and help me to continue being a witness for you so that the actual rocks never have to praise you. Amen.
Building on rock,
Pastor Beth
I surprised myself with that one. Rocks? Really? Where did that come from, and what does that even mean? Rocks are important to my faith journey? I grabbed my Bible and began to search. Clearly that was a stray thought that only means I need more sleep; but as I walked through story after story, I began to see a solid theme of base strength.
- In the hands of a young shepherd with a slingshot, rocks overcome giant troubles. (David)
- In the hands of the misinformed, stones martyr a saint. (Stephen)
- God’s Church is built on a solid Rock. (Peter)
- A wise man builds on rock. (says Jesus)
- The chief cornerstone is rejected. (also Jesus)
- Strike a rock and there will be water for God’s people. (Moses)
- There is a time to scatter rocks. (in Ecclesiastes)
- If people stay quiet, the rocks will cry out in praise! (Jesus again)
Throughout Scripture rocks are strong and foundational. Some are placed as memorials and others used as weapons. They help to create altars for worship, and sometimes they are simply discarded. However described, rocks are often instruments ultimately used for glorifying God.
"You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for your are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, Faithful God." (Psalm 31:3-5, NRSV) While Psalm 31 includes cries against opposition and wails for deliverance from enemies, the psalmist certainly settles into a claim of hope in his steady and substantial Provider and Protector. The hymn includes passionate declarations of faith as God is proclaimed Shelter and Sanctuary.
Through the years, people have brought me rocks from all over the world. “I’m travelling on vacation; what could I bring you as a souvenir?” My typical answer is: “Just bring me a rock.” I think rocks are a great gift. You can find them anywhere you look, they don’t cost anything except the effort to seek them out, and I’m often surprised by their beauty and strength. Rocks are strong enough to provide protection when you use them to build. If you misuse them, people can be devastated. Yet if you spend enough time understanding their makeup and enough effort and care discerning the splendor they may offer, you are bound to see them shine. Now that I think about it, those are the same things that draw me to Jesus.
Thank you God for being rock solid. Lead me, guide me, and help me to continue being a witness for you so that the actual rocks never have to praise you. Amen.
Building on rock,
Pastor Beth