It’s All About the Rocks…

In an illusion of safety, this skiff sat on these large rocks unattended, unsecured, unanchored. Oblivious to threats beyond the distant southern mountains, it sat unprotected, vulnerable to gale force winds, rising tides, and thunderous, crashing surf which unexpectedly but invariably will sweep in and batter the skiff against the rocks.

Therein lies a parable about false security. Protection for our souls requires more than the safety nets of wealth, social status, intellect, and power. Self-effort, self-promotion, self-righteousness, self-justification and even religion are short sighted and insufficient remedies for unhappiness or as the foundation for our quest for hope, forgiveness and redemption. No matter how grand or good, human effort will never be enough to out weigh our sinful natures or to redeem our souls.

Jesus pointed out the reality that it is the believer (not the performer) who receives everlasting life (John 3:16). And scripture clearly declares that it is not our righteousness or rule keeping but God’s mercy that saves us (Titus 3:5). Salvation is a gift received by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Spiritual safety has always been founded upon God’s grace, mercy, and love. Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, understood that. He said, “(The Lord) will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.” (Isaiah 33:6) Martin Luther conveyed this reassuring message in one of the stanza’s of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” :

“Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side
The Man of God’s own choosing
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He
Lord Sabaoth His Name
From age to age, the same
And He must win the battle”

What a wonderful, ageless expression of the redemptive power, protection, and sufficiency found in Christ! He is the Rock upon which to rest. Depending on anything or anyone else for redemption is standing in “sinking sand.”