Built on the Rock

Therefore says the Lord, “See – I am laying a stone in Zion,

a stone that has been tested,

a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation;

 he who puts his faith in it shall not be shaken.”

Isaiah 28:16

I learned a lot about foundations when I was a small child, sitting in my little chair in Cradle Roll class at church.  I certainly was an expert comparing sand vs. rock.  The foolish man (who wanted to be that?) built his house on the sand, and when the rains came, his house went SPLAT!! What a great time we had yelling out that word with the biggest clap we could muster!   Ah, but the wise man built his house on the foundation of a rock.  When the rains came down and the winds blew, his house stood firm.  It was clear as a bell—even to a 4-yr-old.  Sand sinks.  Big rocks just sit there!

A cornerstone is placed at the corner of a building uniting two intersecting walls.  Symbolically, the building is “resting” on the strength of that corner.  Isaiah used the word picture of a cornerstone to describe the coming Messiah – One upon whom we can put all our trust, for our faith will “not be shaken.”

Building a life is a difficult task.  It doesn’t get appreciably easier as we continue to mature.  The winds of difficulty and the rain of unfulfilled expectations are always with us.  However, if our foundation is deeply submerged in the Rock of Ages, the storms of life will buffet and blow, but we will stand firm 

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Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.

From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art.

Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 196