Pebbles and The Rock

Remember what it’s like to walk on a ‘beach’ of small rocks and pebbles? You’re always trying to keep your balance, as they move around under your weight.  If you’re wearing flip-flops, it’s even more difficult to remain stable.

This morning the Lord gave me that image to reflect where people are looking for their stability in this time of pandemic panic and uncertainty.  Relying not just on medicine, but on connections with other human beings has , for some, become the holy grail of ultimate value.  It reminds me of Christmas shows which tell us that Christmas is all about family and friendships.  It all sounds so good and warm and cozy, but its foundation is mush.

On this Holy Thursday, when devoted human beings denied and deserted our Lord, we realize again that even the best of human beings will disappoint, will fail in a test of faithfulness. We have all done so and we will do so again, despite our deep desire to the contrary.

Pebbles appear to be rocks, but you can’t trust them for stability. Only The Rock is solid underneath you. Those who don't yet know Who Jesus is, are looking for someone or something to provide what only He can.  What a great time to share with friends and acquaintances about the Rock of Ages.  

There’s an openness in people’s hearts right now, as they feel powerless in what seems like an unreal situation. And, indeed, all earthly circumstances are unreal, compared to the Reality of God’s Truth. As we’re tempted to just hunker down in our homes, let’s reach out of them like never before and take advantage of this Kairos time for drawing people to the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords; the Shepherd of our Souls; our Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer.   

Family is one of God’s greatest gifts, as are our friends. But we need to help others understand that “though  our father and mother forsake us, [He] will receive us. [Psalm 27:10]. That as it says in Deuteronomy 31:6-8, He goes with us and before us, and as Paul quotes this in Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. 

Humans with the best of intentions can be like a dry, bent stick when it comes to salvation in any sense of the word.  Or to return to the other analogy...seek to help those in your circle of influence not to rely on unstable pebbles instead of The Rock, or on warm, mushy ground instead of The Sure Foundation.  I’m asking God for courage to do the same.

The fields are ripe for harvest. [John 4:35]. Let not the workers be few. [Matthew 9:37]