Solid Rock

What do the following objects represent to you as you visualize them in your mind:

• The American flag
• A present
• A Tombstone
• A running horse
• An ambulance

There are two historic accounts of God instructing His people to leave the same visual image as a reminder of His promise and faithfulness to them. The visual image was rocks.
The first example is when the Israelites were being threatened by an invading army of Philistines. The Israelites were afraid and cried out to the prophet Samuel to pray to God on their behalf (fortunately, we do not need a go-between to pray for us. We can go directly to God with our prayers, fears and concerns).
God already had a plan: “that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites (1 Samuel 7:10).” After this battle was over, “Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the Lord helped us (verse 12).’”
The Israelites shifted from fear to celebration of what God had done for them! Samuel wanted the people to have a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness on that day. Any time they had doubt, they could see the rock and remember. This event has been held in such esteem over the centuries, and because the word Ebeneezer means “stone of help”, people use the word to declare the faithfulness of God.

A second example of using rocks to represent God’s faithfulness comes from the book of Joshua (chapter 4). The Israelites were ready to take possession of the promised land that God had given them. They stood at the edge of the Jordan River wondering how they were going to cross. Of course, God already had that planned out, too! God told Joshua to prepare the people to be ready. As God directed, Joshua had appointed twelve men representing the twelve tribes to lead the procession. An amazing thing happened! The water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap! (16) They stopped in the riverbed, and each picked up a rock. Next came the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant, and then came the rest of the Israelites who walked through the riverbed to the other side! When everyone had safely crossed, God caused the river to resume flowing!
God told Joshua to stack the twelve rocks in a pile. “’These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.’ He said to the Israelites, ’In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’”(v22)  “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” (24)

Why do you think God chose rocks to help the people remember? Why do you think God had the Israelites gather the stones from the riverbed?
In both cases, God chose objects as a visual reminder. Do you think that’s because visuals help us learn? That might be why we incorporate art, stained glass, video, banners, candles, and more within our worship spaces and services.

4832 Ponderings:

• Do you consider yourself to be a visual learner?
• What kinds of visuals might you use to enhance your private time with God?
• Is there something physical you could give to a friend to encourage them in their spiritual journey (a Bible, devotion book, cross, etc.)?

In closing, read these words from Psalm 62:1-2,5-8 and note, once again, the visual of God as our Rock:
1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken…
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.