June 5, 2004

THE ROCK OF AGES

"Trust ye in the Lord for ever; for... the Lord JEHOVAH is the rock of ages" (Isaiah 26:4, KJV, margin).

Continuing the imagery of the rock, we will focus today on Christ as the Rock of Ages. This is one of the most familiar and treasured titles of our Saviour. This universally-loved description is derived from the marginal reading of Isaiah 26:4 in the King James Version.

It is a title full of majesty and meaning for God's people in every age and land. As the Rock of Ages, Christ is the defense of His people. He is our immovable and unchanging source of strength, our protection and help, our impregnable fortress, our safe hiding place, and our ever-abiding defender.

Jesus is the rock of which the Psalmist prayed, "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:2). What a powerful portrait of Jesus, the Rock of Ages! He remains "the same yesterday and today and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8, RSV). The Rock of Ages is immovable and steadfast. We can depend on Him for His stability and serenity, for His protection and preservation.

Dr. A. M. Toplady was trapped in a narrow gorge in a valley in Cheshire, England during a severe thunder storm. Looking up, he saw a large crevice in the rock and took shelter during the drenching rain, resting comfortably until the storm had passed. It was out of this experience that Dr. Toplady wrote what has come to be the universally-loved hymn, Rock of Ages. "Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee!" As we reflect on Jesus, the Rock of Ages, "grasp firmly the living testimony of truth. Have faith in Christ as a personal Saviour. He has been and ever will be our Rock of Ages."--Last Day Events, p. 66.

My Prayer Today: Lord, You are the mighty Rock of Ages. Let me hide myself in You! Amen.