Rock of Ages

In the great majority of films depicting church services of the past one or two hundred years, I have noticed that the song of choice is usually “Rock of Ages.” It has a decidedly old-fashion sound to it, seems to communicate some nostalgic irrelevancy, and I suspect you seldom hear it in contemporary churches.

However, the idea of God being our rock is a biblical message particularly found in the Psalms. There are many references like this one:

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

“God as our rock” points to his constancy, strength, power. In one of my neighbor’s yards there is an enormous rock that was there before he house was built. If our neighborhood should be hit by an F-5 tornado, I have no doubt that rock would be unmoved. And this is like our God. He is unmovable and unshakable.

But then the Psalmist words make it clear that he is willing to be “my Rock.” He is willing to be our refuge and place of safety. If life is like a “box of chocolates” so you never know what you will get, it can also be like the stock market, up one day and down the next. Thankfully in the midst a much uncertainty God is ready to be our Rock and give us “a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2).

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in thee.”