We have a song in our song book that refers to the “Rock of Ages.” It has proven to be a favorite of millions who sing it over and over. It offers so much comfort and hope. It says there is a refuge to which we can fly when sorrows and burdens seem to crush the very life out of us.
Paul makes a statement in 1 Corinthians 10:4. Here he tells us the Rock that followed them was Christ. We know that he is also referred to as the Cornerstone. Isaiah refers to Him as a precious stone (Isa. 28:16).
We would do well to ask ourselves just what lessons we could learn from such an expression.
I. HE IS A ROCK THAT GIVES SUPPORT
The stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner (1 Peter 2:7). Paul would reinforce this by such statements as, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). That means one can feel secure when his hope rests upon Christ and what He has to say. I don’t have to wonder whether or not it is true. It is right and can’t be wrong. When one is told to believe the gospel and be baptized to be saved, he knows such will rest upon the solid foundation of the Rock of Ages. After all, those conditions were set by Christ (Mark 16:15-16).
II. HE IS THE ROCK THAT SHELTERS
Did not Isaiah speak of a good man being “the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isa. 32:2)! Have not many men found refuge under a rock in the middle of a storm? Haven’t rock ledges been the shelter from the pelting rain? Isn’t it in Christ that one finds the shelter he needs when the threat of storm comes his way? Remember that he would cover the children of Jerusalem under His wings as a hen does her chicks (Matt.22:37-38). Yes, in Him, they would have found shelter.
III. HE IS THE ROCK THAT OFFERS SECURITY
David often said, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress” (Psm. 18:2). His position in and on the rock would surely offer the security that he would need. This gives him the advantage of the high ground.
IV. HE IS THE ROCK THAT CAUSES SOME TO STUMBLE (Matthew 21:42-44) Some had real difficulty. They could not understand how the Son of God could suffer as He did. That was not a part of what they had been taught to believe about the Christ. When He did suffer and die, such caused some to stumble. The simplicity of the gospel still causes many people to have the same problem.
-Winfred Clark
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