Rock On!
Life on the Pasture
The previous owners of our house did some major landscaping that involved leveling the back yard and putting in retaining walls. The result of that work included two rather large rocks that are in our yard. Unlike those buried in our garden which every once in awhile have to be removed for planting, these are going nowhere (at least not if I have to move them). In a way, they serve as wonderful reminders of all the Bible verses that describe the Lord as our Rock.
Isn't it interesting how things can have positive and negative applications? Rocks can be used to build walls and homes. They also can be used to destroy things, including people, as was the case when Stephen was stoned to death because He was a follower of Jesus (see Acts 7). But in the midst of the persecution, Stephen held on to his Rock, following the words of Psalm 61: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:1–3, NIV)
Do you remember the Charlie Brown Halloween special? Every house Charlie Brown went to when trick-or-treating ended up with the same result. Instead of candy, he got a rock. Talk about figuratively being stoned to death as the impression is given that you aren't worth any more than a lifeless rock. Is it possible that we might give that same impression to some around us? Unfortunately, it happens when we fail to listen to another's concerns or use unflattering descriptive language about another. And when someone feels as if he or she is not being listened to or ridiculed, stones fly.
As followers of Jesus, we have something much more positive to offer as we point people to the Rock who is higher than we, the secure foundation who will keep us safe with Him even in the midst o the worst storms of life.
This week, I will be officiating two funerals. Whenever one walks through the valley of the shadow of death, the evil one tries to dig up stones of past sins and failures to throw at those he would assault. Jesus comes and draws us closer to Him that we might endure the assault and know the peace and security of forgiveness, life and salvation. In Him we are not worthless, but the very children of God.
In the midst of a tumultuous life, what are we doing with the stones around us? Instead of throwing them at people in frustration and anger, we have the opportunity to build something positive on Jesus, the sure foundation.
– Pastor Schmidt