A new housing development is being built in the field next door. Early every morning, I hear the back-hoe and the bulldozers beep-beeping and beginning to push dirt. In the process they are unearthing many rocks; rocks of all sizes. Last week, a few guys were working right along my property line. I went out to ask if they’d be careful about leaving large clumps of dirt in my grass and they thanked me for not complaining to the authorities. I told them that I was “cool” about the construction, knowing it is a work in progress, and that I had been getting a few rocks in the evenings for my flower beds. One young man, Brad, was especially friendly and polite and said he had some really big rocks that he would get for me when he got off work, if I was interested. Sure enough, Brad came back later with his back-hoe and maneuvered some beauties into the yard for me. I gave him $10, not nearly enough for his work, but he was appreciative; I think I reminded him of his grandma! The next day, I transplanted some flowers and mulched the area. I think it looks lovely!
I especially love one very large rock and it reminds me of the story in the Bible about building our lives on a firm foundation. Do you remember the song, “The wise man built his house upon the rock, the wise man built his house upon the rock and the rains came tumbling down… but the house on the rock stood firm”? “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:10-11). This foundation is the only reliable spiritual ground that God intends for us to live. Many put hope and confidence in things like wealth, job security, wisdom, power – all of which can easily shift like sinking sand. Rather, our lives need a firm – solid rock – foundation. David said “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; and I shall not be moved (Psalm 62:6). Later, God sent Jesus, His son, to be a rock to His people. “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not act in haste” (Isaiah 28:16).
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe”… (Hebrews 12:28). “To You I cry, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me”… (Psalm 28:1).
British hymn writer, Edward Mote, (1797 – 1874) penned the words to “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” while working as a cabinet maker. The chorus is said to have come to his mind while he walked to work each day and the stanzas came while he worked.
The verses and chorus of this old hymn speak to how we should live our lives:
“My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the vale.
His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found! Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne!”
