In Normandy, France there lies an island just over half a mile from the coast. The mountain island has been a fortress since the 6th century and holds a monastery at its peak since the 8th. As a commune, it held everything the community needed to survive. During the Hundred Years’ War, the massive rock known as Le Mont Saint Michel, or Saint Michael’s Mount, was undefeatable. This island, just over a half mile off the coast, was only accessible during low tide via a narrow causeway which allowed pilgrims to visit but would never allow enemies the ability to overtake it.
Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower. Psalm 18:2
Strange though it may seem, we often refer our God to as a Rock. You might think of a small rock skipping across a lake or maybe those cute painted rocks with inspirational messages that many leave for others to take joy in finding. God’s idea of a rock is far greater, more massive than a mountain fortress, and far more meaningful in light of salvation.
For this study we will focus on 3 words used to mean Rock in the Bible; sela‛ H5553, tsûr H6697, and petra G4073. Some meanings for rock are: fortress, stronghold, refuge, and strength.
Bow down thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily: Be thou to me a strong rock, A house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me. Pluck me out of the net that they have laid privily for me; For thou art my stronghold. Into thy hand I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Jehovah, thou God of truth. Psalm 31:2-5
Saint Michael’s Mount is a beautiful figurative representation of Who God is as our Rock. During times of trouble we can run directly into our refuge, our undefeatable safe place. He made the way for us when Christ died on the cross. (1 Corinthians 10: 1-4) Neither water nor time nor any attack has the ability to erode or destroy His fortress.
Every one that cometh unto me, and heareth my words, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who digged and went deep, and laid a foundation upon the rock: and when a flood arose, the stream brake against that house, and could not shake it: because it had been well builded. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that built a house upon the earth without a foundation; against which the stream brake, and straightway it fell in; and the ruin of that house was great. Luke 6:47-49
In the New Testament God shows us how important it is to make Him our foundational rock. You may have seen large buildings with cornerstones (Isaiah 28:16). A cornerstone is the first stone set in the foundation upon which we set all other stones from. Placed improperly, the building will be flawed, possibly to the point of failure. Think of building blocks. Do you recall trying to build on your bed or sofa? The dog or cat would jump up to sit with you and the building would sway for a moment before collapsing. They weren’t even trying to go near your structure. Then you took your blocks over to the table or floor and were able to build higher than you could image, you used every last block you owned. Even when the cat rubbed up against it, it didn’t collapse.
Being in the safety of Christ does not stop the attacks from coming after you. His refuge provides your spiritual protection through the storms of life. I’ve seen too many people walk away from God because the world isn’t perfect or things didn’t turn out the way they wanted it to. That isn’t what a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) or a rock is about. It doesn’t give you your best fairy tale life now; it gives you an indescribable eternity of joy with the Lord. If you don’t believe me – and I suggest you question everything anyone teaches you against the Word of God – read what Heaven will be like in your Bible.
Search: Look for other verses referring to God as our Rock.
Reflect On: What it means to build your foundation on His Rock
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Pray: That you would remain in the safety of His refuge. Pray for others to come to know Him as their Rock.
