06.02. Firm as a Rock!
Firm as a Rock! A few miles from the southern shores of England, and not far from many a sunken rock, stands the Seamen’s Friend. For more than a century, in spite of stormy wind and tempest, the Eddystone lighthouse has stood firm and unmovable, giving light and saving life, warning the mariner away from hidden perils, and guiding into the friendly harbor many a gallant ship that might otherwise have been wrecked. Its construction is remarkable. A predecessor, built of less durable materials, had been swept away during a storm, and all within perished. Hence it was that special care was taken in securing its stability. Fourteen courses of huge blocks of granite and Portland stone, each from one to two tons, were dovetailed into the solid rock and into each other; then upon this building, almost as solid as the rock beneath it, was placed the lantern with its various lights, directing the sailor along his course, and pointing out the way to the port a few leagues distant. The Word of God is somewhat like this lighthouse. The comparison has often been made, and it is a true one. The Word bears a light. It is a bright lamp for those that are voyaging over the dark and stormy waves of this troublesome world. It bids men away from those perilous rocks of error, of licentiousness, of love of gold or pleasure — on which too many souls founder and perish. It reveals Christ, the true Harbor of Refuge, and manifests to men how, amidst the roaring of the tempest — they may yet find their true and only rest in Him.
Especially would I ask the attention of the reader to the consideration of the stability of God’s Word — it is the very thought we most need.
There are continually fresh changes and sorrows in many homes. Families once unbroken — mourn the loss of a parent, a child, a brother or sister. Those in affluence are brought low, and means fail them. Those beforetime strong and healthy — know the painfulness of disease and infirmity. Even those most desolate may find a relief from their heavy burden of sorrow and anxiety. God’s mighty providence, His tender, fatherly compassions, His faithfulness, His own blessed revelation of Himself in His Word — these abide, and we doubt not at such seasons become to many a soul, a light more bright and cheering than ever before.
Wide as the world is Your command,
Vast as eternity Your love,
Firm as a rock Your truth shall stand
When rolling years shall cease to move.
Firm as a rock God’s truth has stood, and shall stand forever. Let us go back to the illustration that has been employed. The lighthouse has stood firm amidst the storms of a century, because it is securely fixed upon the solid rock; in fact, it is one with it — each stone is so closely connected with the rest and with the rock beneath, that all the violence of the tempest has been in vain.
Even so God’s Word, and every part of it, rests upon the rock of His truth. It is one Book, though written at various times and by different writers. Each part is connected with every other part, and the whole permeated by the teaching of the ever blessed Spirit. So that it cannot be destroyed; it cannot fall, whatever assaults may be made upon it. It is true, and that which is true shall abide as long as the God of truth Himself.
Old objections may appear in new forms — unfriendly criticism may suggest its doubts, theories in science may conflict with received interpretations. Yet be not afraid — forget not the confirmation God’s Word has been receiving from the very beginning. Difficulties that seemed once almost insuperable, have been removed by the discovery of some historical monument of early times. Again and again has true science proved the handmaid of Scriptural revelation. The secret places of the earth have given up some witness to God’s truth — and all tend to establish our confidence. They teach us that our old Bible is no cunningly-devised fable, but that it speaks truth and only truth. The moral proofs of the inspiration of Holy Writ are likewise irrefutable. It suits men in every nation alike. It brings blessing and peace wherever it comes. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, it becomes the instrument of a new and better life to men who have been aforetime sunken in every kind of evil. It gives rest to wearied and burdened consciences, and calms the troubled and sorrowing spirit.
Therefore, amidst increasing unbelief on all sides, let us still be steadfast and hopeful. All flesh fades like the grass, and the glory of man like the withering flower; yes, the very rocks shall be moved out of their place, and Heaven and earth shall pass away, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and things temporal shall give place to the things that are eternal — but know for a surety that the Word of our God shall stand forever.
Firm as a rock are those exceeding great and precious promises which the Word sets before us. The promises of earthly friends may greatly comfort us in times of deep necessity: the promise of their sympathy, of their readiness to assist us in bearing some heavy weight of anxiety, of their presence in some dark hour to which we look forward — these may cheer and help us, yet but a little way can such help go. We may be looking forward to a promised visit — but our expected friend may be compelled to travel many a mile in an opposite direction. We may anxiously be on the look-out for a special letter — but the hand that should write it may be lying cold and motionless. We may wait for a few pounds to meet a pressing debt — but heavy losses may have overtaken one who would otherwise gladly have kept his word to us.
Many a promise fails, because the promiser is unable to keep it. Many a one is left unfulfilled, because of human infirmity, forgetfulness, change of feeling, or the like. So that it is never wise to lean too much on the arm of flesh, or to expect too much even from the kindest or most faithful among men. But with Divine promises it is otherwise:
they have a height and depth, a length and breadth that surpass our highest conceptions,
they reach the whole circumference of human necessity,
they extend through all time,
they anticipate all difficulties,
they satisfy all holy desires,
they open out a field for bright and glorious anticipations that would never otherwise have entered into the heart of man.
They meet us in our felt sinfulness — by the declaration of free and perfect forgiveness; yes more, by the bestowment of a righteousness in which the eye of God can discern no blemish.
They meet us in our consciousness of deadness and pollution and weakness — by the offered gift of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to renew the heart in holiness and in love, to quicken and strengthen every good desire, and to mortify all that is evil.
They meet us in our manifold distresses and perplexities — by holding out to us the assurance of Fatherly love and all-sufficient grace.
They meet us on the threshold of the grave — by reminding us of One who, in the furnace and in the flood alike, will not fail to stand by those who trust in Him.
They meet us in our anticipations of the great and glorious future — by pointing us upward to the mansions of the Father’s house, and forward to the day of the Lord, when the King will take His people to live and reign with Him forever and ever.
Reader, place your foot firmly here! Rest your soul on the promises — they cannot fail you. "I may tremble on the Rock, but the Rock will not tremble under me," was the saying of an Irish lad when asked of his hope for the future. Tremble though you may as you remember your sins, or look out into the years yet to come, with all the sorrow and care they may bring you — yet look beyond all this. Hear the voice of Him that speaks to you of pardon for all your offences, and of upholding strength through your pilgrimage, and rejoice in Him.
Very precious is the prayer of David when he reminds God of His promise, relies upon it, and looks forward to its fulfillment: "Now, O Lord God, You are that God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness unto Your servant. Therefore now let it please You to bless the house of Your servant; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it." Hence it is that, firm on the sure rock of God’s promises, you may leave calmly the past, the present, and the future to Him who will never leave you nor forsake you. He will . . .
guard you in all danger,
support you in all tribulation, and
bring you by the right way to the haven of everlasting rest.
It was thus that Asaph reposed in God after the struggle with unbelief, recorded in Psalms 73:1-28. (See Psalms 73:16-28) Does he think of the past? It is the record of God’s faithful dealings with him: "You have held me by my right hand." Does he think of the present? God is near: "I am continually with you." Does he survey the future of his earthly existence? There shall be safe guiding all the way: "You shall guide me with Your counsel." Does he survey the future after life is passed? Then shall be the Lord’s presence: "You shall afterward receive me to glory."
Firm as a rock is the counsel and purpose of God with reference to the salvation and glory of His Church. Great is the difference between the designs, the intentions, the purposes of men, even the wisest and most powerful — and those of God. The former very frequently fail, break down, and come to an utter end — while the latter are invariably fulfilled. The Book of Proverbs is full of this truth:
"A man’s heart devises his way — but the Lord directs his steps."
"The lot is cast into the lot — but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."
"There are many devices in a man’s heart — nevertheless the counsel of the Lord shall stand."
Even so elsewhere:
"He is of one mind, and who can turn Him?"
"What His soul desires, even that He does."
"The Lord brings the counsel of the heathen to nothing."
"He makes the devices of the people of no effect."
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations."
"All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing! He does according to His will in the army of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say unto Him: What are You doing?" That the purposes and schemes of man perpetually fail, however carefully or skillfully devised, is plain to us all. A mighty tower is to be reared: it shall bring a great name to its builders; it shall unite them together in one city; it shall spread their fame far and wide. So the workmen begin their task: brick upon brick, little by little, it soon reaches a great height. But shall it be finished? Nay, the tower of pride becomes Babel — the tower of confusion and shame. For God ever brings low the proud and haughty, so He confounds their language, and instead of the builders being knit together, they are scattered abroad on the face of the earth! In all ages does God work in the same way:
you see it in the highest places,
you see it in the lowest places,
you see it in private families,
you see it in the affairs of nations.
Schemes are devised . . .
for the gratification of ambition,
for the increase of wealth,
for the indulgence of some evil passion —
yes, and for far better objects — to assist some friend to provide against the day of adversity, or the like.
Yet in the providence of God it does not succeed, but the object is rather hindered than furthered by the effort. In the same way is it with plans that effect whole communities. For months or years plans are nurtured for the advancement of some secular or ecclesiastical power, to place on a firm basis some doubtful title, or to raise to a higher pitch of earthly glory some king or kingdom, some Church or Empire. But when the attempt is made, there is a total failure — matters have been miscalculated; things do not take the course expected; new elements come in that were not looked for; everything goes wrong — defeat comes instead of victory. This is aggravated by some fresh calamity, and the fruit of labor, and of efforts almost incalculable — is a harvest of ruin and desolation and woe.
Never perhaps has this been more evident than in the war between France and Germany. An Empire of late holding in its hands the destinies of Europe, going forth to a struggle with a neighboring power, in spite of the remonstrances of other nations — then in one single month losing almost everything — one vast army made captive, another army shut up so that it could never escape — the capital threatened, towns and villages burnt down or otherwise destroyed, the provision laid up for the winter season carried away for the use of hostile troops. Then have we been taught more clearly that man proposes, but God disposes, that neither king nor kingdom is saved by the multitude of an army, nor by all the power that man can summon to his aid! But while human counsels frequently fail — the great I AM rules on high, and that which is in His heart and mind, moves on steadily to its glorious fulfillment. When the great book is fully written which shall contain the whole history of our globe and God’s dealings with mankind — when we see revealed one man’s prayer and another man’s pride, and then trace how the hand of the Almighty has ever been uppermost, lifting up the humble and breaking down the high thoughts of the proud — sometimes working by His providence to fulfill what man has attempted, sometimes as plainly bringing it to nothing; at the same time by means of all completing in the very best way His own designs — then how greatly will it exalt and glorify His own infinite wisdom, faithfulness, and power!
We read much, during the war to which I referred, of that strange mysterious man working out in his quiet room the plan of the campaign; sending here and there, by telegraphic wires, or by ready servants, by footmen, or by horsemen — messages to guide the generals under him; by a stroke of his pen, by a movement of his hand, directing armies at his will, moving as one man several hundreds of thousands of fighting men — and thus, beyond all expectation, bringing about a measure of success and victory seldom if ever before seen. But look beyond him, and see Him who is the Only Wise God. Behold Him over His wide dominion controlling all things! His dominion extends not over a single portion of the earth — but over all lands, and over the wide domain of the universe. It reaches not the army of one nation, but every living man. It is exercised not for a few months, but from everlasting to everlasting. His object is not to maintain the power or prestige of one kingdom, or to consolidate its various parts — but to set up His kingdom everywhere, to beat down the power of the great enemy, and to gather into one all things both in Heaven and earth, and to bind them fast together in Christ our Head.
Every view of this glorious design enhances our wonder and admiration.
Consider the mountains of difficulty that lay in the way of the accomplishment of God’s plan of salvation — the mighty strength of evil, the craft of the Prince of Darkness, the enmity of human hearts, a world in rebellion against its Creator and ready to despise both His mercy and His justice.
Consider the central figure in whom and through whom the design is carried out: He is very God and very man — without sin and yet bearing in Himself the sin of the world — once dying yet evermore living — once counted the Nazarene, the Man of Sorrows, enduring the shame of a malefactor’s death, and yet made higher than the angels, lifted up to the very throne of God, the Mediator, the High Priest, the Forerunner, the King, the Everlasting Savior of His people.
Consider the complex machinery employed — all the revolutions of kingdoms, all the events of private life, the preaching of the Word, and the prayers of the saints, the labors of God’s workers, the evil deeds of the ungodly neutralized and overruled for good, the deaths of martyrs, the lives of those who walk in God’s ways, the grace of the Divine Spirit, and the Providence of God working through all — so various are the agencies which He employs for fulfilling His counsels.
Consider also the everlasting felicity which this design will bring to countless souls. Two passages are closely allied: "He works all things after the counsel of His own will." And this will the highest good of his chosen ones: "All things work together for good to those who love God." By and by shall we see fully manifested the everlasting good which He has wrought for His redeemed people. The purified spirit, the glorified body, the unfading inheritance, and the presence of the Lamb, with visions of Eternal Love as yet far beyond us — these will bring a joy that has neither limit nor end. And this design cannot be frustrated — it is like the covenant, ordered in all things and sure. It is not dependent on the changing will of man, but on Him with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. It is firm and steadfast, and nothing can overturn it. Yes, more, it is advancing towards its completion.
Ages of preparation have passed away;
the Son of God has been manifested in the flesh;
the Gospel has been preached in almost every nation;
the oracles of Divine Wisdom have been made known in two hundred languages;
myriads of souls have been turned from Satan unto God. On every side there is much to tell us that we may look for the time when the mystery of God, spoken of through bygone ages by patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, will be finished, and when the Son of God shall reign with His saints forever.
Let the consideration of the steadfastness of God’s truth leave with us one or two lessons for our guidance.
1. Let the Christian be firm as a rock in the hope and rejoicing of the Gospel. True, in us there is everything to throw us back — we mourn our unfaithfulness, we confess with shame how little we rise to the height of our privileges, how little we have done to honor Him who has done all for us; our sins testify against us, our backslidings are increased; yet is it still true, and true for us, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, that He will never reject any who truly turn to Him, that His arm is long enough and His heart is loving enough to rescue us from the mire of evil!
It is still true that the Good Shepherd will never lose one of His sheep, but will give them life eternal, and none shall pluck them out of His hand!
It is still true that He will sanctify and cleanse His Church and every member of it, and present it spotless and unblamable before the throne!
It is still true that He regards our humble confessions and accepts the breathing of contrite spirits, and that the sorrowful sighing of His prisoners enters into His ear and touches His heart.
Why then need we cast away our hope, or look downward in despondency and fear? Nay, rather let us afresh throw more wholly upon Him the burden of our salvation! Let us commit ourselves to Him, and believe that He will honor our confidence and fulfill our desires. When Ruth learned by experience the kindness and good-will of Boaz — she came and laid herself down at his feet as he rested in the threshing-floor; and thus, by an act, very expressive in those days, manifested her desire to yield herself up to his care and affection. Nor did he refuse the charge, but undertook her cause and made her his own. Even thus may we by hearty reliance throw ourselves upon Him who is our near kinsman, and who will not let the matter drop, but will manifest in the gates of His Church that He claims us as His portion forever.
Neither let us fear for the changes that may come. We know not what is before us — but God knows, and that is enough. He knows, He will care, He will provide, He will protect.
If the world changes — He changes not. If health gives way, if a child or parent or a spouse dies, if losses in business come upon us — yet Jesus Christ is the same, the promises are the same, the purposes of heavenly love are the same, God Himself is the same.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!" Psalms 46:1
God, and . . .
not blind fate,
not chance or luck,
not a kind of indefinite Providence,
not our good fortune,
not our courage,
not our determination.
No! God Himself is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble! The God of Jacob — so watchfully leading us, and preserving us from all evil; the Lord Almighty — He who has all the armies of Heaven and earth at His command — He is . . .
our refuge,
the hiding-place to which we can ever flee,
the stronghold from storm or foe, from fire or flood!
Yes, more, He is our strength, the Rock on which the heart may lean — the Holy Spirit strengthening the frailty of our nature by enabling us to lean wholly on our Father and our God.
Yes, more, He is our help. His hand stretched out to assist us whenever we turn to Him with the cry, "Give us help from trouble, for vain is the help of man."
Yes, more, an ever-present help! There is help always at hand. Many of those poor wounded soldiers in the war had dear ones at home who would gladly have run to their help; but they were far, far away. But God is nigh — so present, that but a sigh, a prayer — and He is by our very side.
Yes, more, help now — present in time as well as in space, when tomorrow may be too late. Yes, an hour lost, may lose all. But He gives immediate support, He is very close at hand, and very quick to support. Jesus never comes too late!
Why then be afraid? Why be too much disturbed though all things on earth are shaken? Rather let us add, with the Psalmist: "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us — the God of Jacob is our fortress!"
It was thus with a standard-bearer in Christ’s Church, lately called away from us. In a letter addressed to the congregation from his dying bed, the late Rev. W.B. Mackenzie said: "They tell me that you want to hear some testimony to the sufficiency of my faith in Christ. I have preached to you for thirty-two years the Atonement of Christ, His perfect righteousness, and salvation through His blood. These truths are now my hope, my comfort, my stay. I believe that God’s righteousness is mine, and that Christ’s atonement is my perfect satisfaction for sin; and God’s holy indwelling Spirit is my support and my life now. In this faith I have lived — and in this faith I die. I have nothing else, and I want no more. My faith is firm as a rock! I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day. The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing!"
Let the Christian be firm as a rock in the defense and maintenance of God’s truth.
Boldly to resist the soul-destroying errors that are abroad, and manfully to stand up for old truths is a matter most urgent at the present day. Hezekiah gives us a noble example: Men took the brazen serpent, and made an idol of it and worshiped it; but Hezekiah broke the idol in pieces, and called it Nehushtan — a piece of brass; and God blessed him in whatever he did. On such foundational points, we must not be afraid to speak out plainly; we must not hesitate because many who teach error are kind and earnest, or even men of very holy and exemplary lives. Take heed not to be led away by the skeptical teaching that would cut out of Holy Scripture everything that makes it precious as a direct revelation from God of the way of salvation, and that would cast overboard that certainty of truth without which we can never rest our souls in peace upon its promises. But while resisting error, we must also most diligently labor for the propagation of the truth. In all our Sunday schools we need vigorous efforts to make the religious teaching more definite and heart searching, as well as to gather in the outcasts. We must second the efforts now made to increase very largely the sale or free distribution of good gospel literature. We must enter in by the open doors which are set before us — to preach Christ in the workshop, in the street, or in the home. There ought to be no drones in the hive, and no idlers in the vineyard — but all should be workers, laborers, helpers, soldiers — laboring, praying, toiling, fighting to make their influence felt on all sides, and to leave their mark on the world and the Church when they have left it. The great motive must ever be Christ’s love. A few words of a hymn set forth the right principle we should ever strive to maintain:
Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Your Word. Your saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye. When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Your armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine!
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord!" 1 Corinthians 15:58