The Rock of Ages

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:4 NKJ -  He is the Rock; His work is perfect. For all His ways are just. A God of truth (faithfulness) without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

One of Moses’ songs/ poem was written in the last days of his life. It is recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy (32:1-43) , the fifth book of Moses. Those words were delivered  to an assembled Israelites gathering, just prior to Moses’ death on Mt. Nebo. (Deut. 32:3), Moses began to ascribe “greatness to our Lord.” The Rock of ages was thus defined as “an unfailing source of strength” for the Lord is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:4). King David  said,  the Lord was his rock, his fortress, deliverer, strength, shield, stronghold, and the horn of his salvation (Ps. 18:2).  It is unbelievable that the Israelites would exchange a great, true and wise God for false gods. Never should a Holy God be put down as such. God deserves our highest honor (Matt. 6:9). “Hallowed be Your Name” ( Matt. 6:9). He is Holy (I Pet. 1:15). He is the “ I Am,” the only wise and true God of the universe.

Who is God, but the Lord? And who is a Rock, except our God? (Ps. 18:31; 18:2) God is our Rock as referred to in (Deuteronomy 32:4). This is the first time He is called a Rock in  the Old Testament scripture. This expression gives meaning to His Divine power, faithfulness and love.  He is immutable, immovable, and to all who run to Him, a shelter and to all who trust in Him,  an everlasting foundation. The same is denoted regarding Christ Jesus in the Gospel. Such a foundation that is stable and sure – of such that which cannot be changed, altered or moved. A foundation by which we may  (1.) build our hope, (2.) be protected and find refuge in time of trouble, (3.)  our fortress from enemies. He is to be praised, for He is our strong towel ( Prov. 18:10), providing support and help during difficult times.  God’s work is perfect (Deut. 32:4) which is evident in creation.  (Gen. 1:1-31), God is to be recognized as our creator. He rules and protects His creation. We see Him as eternal and in control of the world.  He created man in His image, and we are valuable in His eyes. It is His will that we become like His Son Jesus Christ by the power of the indwelling  Holy Spirit. Everything in creation was regulated by His wisdom wherein was no error. Every created thing was subjected to God’s timing and order. Even God’s  redemptive and salvation plan is complete -- needing no mending. In Psalms 19, creation is pictured.  “The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork (Deut. 19:1). All of God’s ways are just and righteous.  Everything He does is right. Being right is ascribed to His sovereign character. God has the supreme authority to provide judgement, always rewarding good and punishing evil. He is also a God of truth – His Word, we can rely on. God is faithful to all of His promises. He cannot lie (Num. 23:19)  Our God is without iniquity. He never wronged anyone who appealed to His justice – as He gives a just reward. Whatever man earns,  is his just reward. Moses has painted a picture of the God who is just and right. For, He will recompense all those who served or suffered for Him. Hallelujah to the  “Rock” of ages.  

Prayer: Lord, Your Word is truth and will be with us when everything has perished. Symbolic and metaphoric; The Lord Jesus Christ is our Rock. He is the strength of my life, my fortress, deliverer, shield, and my stronghold. I am reminded of the lyrics of “Rock of ages cleft for me – Let me hide myself in thee.” Show me Lord that opening  (cleft) to You where I might hide in Your protection forever.  In His Name. Amen.

(by Novella D. Carpenter)