June 20

The Rock Of Ages

Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. — Isa 26:4 BSB

The love of God, like a cleft rock, has been the shelter of His people throughout the ages. It stands firm above the shifting waters of time. The lightning of Calvary tore it open, leaving a cleft formed by the spear that pierced our Lord’s side, from which blood and water flowed. Yet here, sinful souls may hide! God told Moses, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand, for no one can see My face and live.” So He speaks to us today, promising that the water and the blood provide a double cure from the wrath and power of sin.

This refuge is free. The sinner need not strive to earn the safety of this Rock of Ages by their own labor or by keeping the law. No zeal, no flood of tears can purchase it. All that is required is a heart broken and humble, one that knows its helplessness and need of a Savior. To have no mediator, no refuge, no other help but to lift the eyes of faith to Christ—this is the only condition for being lifted by unseen hands into the safety of that Rock.

The cleft Rock holds all the soul needs. Is the soul naked? There is clothing for it. Is it helpless? There is grace. Is it black with sin? There is cleansing. Is it sick? There is healing. Whether Calvinist like Toplady or Arminian like Wesley, both agreed: “Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in Thee I find.”

It is eternal. It is the Rock of Ages! Time may beat upon it, but it cannot change or diminish it. Whether we draw our last breath, close our eyes in death, or enter unknown worlds, the soul may always shelter in the cleft of the unchanging Redeemer. Peace, like a double window, will keep fear at bay for the heart that trusts in God.

Prayer

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood from Your wounded side be the double cure—save me from sin’s guilt and power. Amen.