The Rock Eternal
God offers us strength and stability
The island of Newfoundland is colloquially and affectionately referred to as The Rock, a geological paradise that captivates those who are fascinated by its ancient rock structures.
Over the last two million years, the island has been covered several times with glaciers. During the most recent period of the Wisconsin glaciation, which ended 10,000 years ago, the glaciers carried much of the soil out to sea, forming the Grand Banks.
On a drive across the island, particularly on the Avalon Peninsula, boulders are scattered erratically across the landscape.
The Johnson Geo Centre in St. John’s, cut from the ancient rock of Signal Hill, is the place to go to experience an educational overview of the story of planet Earth, and of course an overview of the rich and unique geological history of the The Rock. It will certainly pique your curiosity to do some more exploring and sightseeing of the many natural rock formations on the island.
Readers of scripture will know that on numerous occasions God is referred to as a Rock. Among the many references are Isaiah 26:4 — “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal;” Deuteronomy 32:3 — The Song of Moses — “I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock;” Psalm 18:12 — “I love you, O Lord my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge;” Psalm 28:1 — “To you I call O Lord my rock.”
We get the point don’t we? God has rock-like qualities and characteristics — although God’s qualities are inexpressibly far superior — but for our finite minds a consideration and comparison of these qualities makes God more identifiable and His greatness a little more comprehensible. What, then, are the implications of God as our Rock?
Referencing God as the Rock Eternal conveys majesty. The God of creation towers above and overshadows time.
This is the reality that makes folly of even the ages of the geologist and the spaces of the astronomer. Referring to his timelessness, Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
To the Jewish people who would not accept him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am” ( John 8:58).
In an age of technological wizardry, where the sense of amazement has almost eluded us, we need to recapture the majesty of God — His Person, His Power and His Presence.
Considering the implications of God as the Rock Eternal, we also need to realize that it symbolizes changelessness amidst the changing scenes of life. The character of God, the greatness of God, the promises of God, are changeless.
They can be depended upon even in a world that is transient and turbulent. Speaking through the prophet Malachi, God pronounced “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6) — a promise that is rock solid.
These are but two of the implications of God as the Rock Eternal but we can also refer to the application of this truth to our own lives, for it speaks of stability and security.
The Psalmist expressed — “(God) lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:2-3)
In his parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27), Jesus contrasted two builders who used completely different foundations — one built on sand while the other built on rock.
When the storms came, and the rain fell in Igor proportions, the house built on the sand obviously became a washout. In contrast, the one built on rock survived.
Why? — “because it had its foundation on the rock.” There was a source of stability and security.
The Rock Eternal. There are implications and applications to be construed from referencing God’s characteristics and qualities, but we also note a supplication, a prayer expressed by the Psalmist.
Sensing the exhaustion of his own resources, he realized he could turn to God for help — “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.” (Psalm 61:1-2)
The Psalmist expressed for all of us the need for a source of stability, security and solace in a world of constant turbulence. Yes — there are many factors that conspire against us, our hearts do grow weary, and left to our own strength and resources we would surely lose hope.
Yet we have the assurance that God — the Rock Eternal — is there to help us when we make our prayer — “lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
God is our Rock Eternal in times of chaos and confusion; and though majestic and changeless in His character, wants to have a relationship with each of us that provides stability and security amidst all that life brings our way.
We all need to pray, “lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Then we will be able to testify “He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
The island of Newfoundland is indeed The Rock — and even our great rugby team has taken that name — but only God is the Rock Eternal, the “Rock of Ages” who waits for us to accept His overture of love and grace, finding the true source of stability and security.