by Kala Loptien
Sinking Sand
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2, English Standard Version
On the surface, rocks seem so simple and ordinary. But what appears to be basic packs a lot of power. We’ve heard of them used as weapons. They stay solid under our feet. They’re used to create a strong base. They are unwavering.
Rocks are used metaphorically throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the Psalms alone, David refers to the Lord as his rock numerous times. He cries out to God, His rock. He wants to hold tightly to that which is higher and steady. He seeks refuge, protection and deliverance. David repeatedly recognizes that God alone is our rock and salvation.
Within the New Testament, rock remains the metaphor for Jesus and is also used when describing the foundation of faith. In Matthew, Jesus very clearly states: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Later, in the same book, He says to Peter: “On this rock, I will build my church.”
Did you happen to have the same song pop into your head when reading about God as our rock? “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” We see this truth play out in the Bible when God’s people try to cling to, lean on or fall upon anything other than Jesus. Sound familiar? Sure does! We see the same struggles and and experience it for ourselves here and now. People fail, idols are folly, success is fleeting and money can quickly rule our hearts. He is our firm foundation. All other ground is sinking sand.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
