"Standing on the Rock". We have all heard that phrase with the rock referring to the Word of God and His abundant promises; we should stand firm and steady on the Rock. Our mind gives us the exemplary image of us standing firm on a rock, steady on the ground, giving us comfort and peace as we stand still...
There is another rock we are familiar with, and that is the rock that rolled away from Jesus' tomb after his resurrection. We have seen pictures of tomb rocks; tall, flat, heavy, but can be moved; probably not accurate in reality, but it works for having a visual picture of ancient tombs, especially for Jesus' resurrection story. Imagine, if you will, yourself standing on the rock that rolled away from Jesus' tomb. There are several things to think about when standing on the rock that rolled.
First, a rolling rock moves. When you are on a moving rock you cannot sit; you must stand. If you sit you will fall off and be crushed; symbolically, crushed by the enemy.
Secondly, you cannot just stand on a moving rock. You must move with it or you will once again fall off and be crushed. Your feet must keep moving in order to stay on top of the rock and go in the direction of the rock.
A third aspect of standing on a moving rock is you have to balance yourself. You cannot lean to the left or lean to the right, but must stay focused on the center, looking straight ahead. If you take your eyes off the center you will.... fall off and could be crushed or at least mangled and hurt.
How do we stay on the rolling rock without falling off and being crushed? We focus on the Lord by reading His Word, praising Him and thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We worship Him in all things, especially in the rough times. He fights our battles. Holy Spirit is our guide on the rolling rock. He takes us where we need to go. We just need to trust Him by standing on the Rock.
Whether you see yourself standing on a stationery rock or a rolling rock, how big is your rock? Is it the size of a pebble or larger than Mt. Everest? Where do you put your trust and faith? Do you have different rocks (a friend or spouse) you stand on for certain things, or do you have one solid Rock who you trust completely, who will never leave you?
The Lord wants us to be standing and moving with Him, balanced, fearless. But there are times He wants us to "be still and know that He is God." Either moving or being still, stand on the Rock.
To God be the Glory,
Karla Maxwell