I attended a funeral service this weekend for the Grandfather of a close family Friend. Even though we were all in shock by his sudden death and will miss him dearly, it wasn’t a sad day. We found a comforting security from the knowledge that our elder was a Christian and would be spending his eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father singing and praising His Holy name.
The funeral was a beautiful ceremony enriched with powerful music, testimonies, and a decorative array of flowers that would have easily rivaled the pallet of the most prolific artist. The familiar aroma of perfume wafted through the air from the elder mothers fanning themselves under their finest Sunday hats. The elder men in the church, most with salt and pepper marbling in their hair, patted their feet and sung throaty hymns as they rocked to the sounds of the Gospel choir. The church was filled to capacity with friends and family members from around the country all paying their final respects to a man who died to self and lived a life for Christ daily.
There were several wonderful speakers that expressed words of comfort to the family, but I was especially moved by the colloquy of one minister who presented a story about the security of Christ. I would like to take this time to share his parable with you.
Late one Tuesday afternoon, a young girl and her little brother were walking home from school on the railroad tracks that passed behind their community. The sun fell on their shoulders as they made the familiar trek back to their subdivision. Like every day, they laughed and played games to help pass the time as the followed the steel rails past the backside of town. Suddenly, a Spring shower began to rain down on them. They began running down the wooden ties desperately seeking shelter when they decided to take a detour through an old railway tunnel. Their mother frequently warned them to stay out of the dark, cramped space during this part of their journey. However, not wanting to be wet in the cool April air, they decided against her advice in lieu of finding an asylum in the abrupt change of weather.
The rocky passage was dark and stunk of mold and metal. Not being able to clearly see what was hidden in the shadows, they quickly decided to continue their sprint to the light at other end. As they approached the opening, they could hear the tracks vibrating under their feet. They both new this foreboding rumble was a sign that a train was right upon them. They were normally home when it passed, but they were delayed at school and took too much time on the walk back. They could see the monstrous machine round the bend in the tracks and enter the tunnel wailing its horn as it approached. In desperation, the young girl threw her brother against the craggy wall and yelled, “Cling to the rock, brother! Cling to the rock!”
After several terrifying moments, the train finished its journey through the tunnel. Both brother and sister ran free from the dark cavern unharmed by the mechanical beast only by having been saved by clinging to the rock.
Beloved, I am here to tell you that Jesusis The Rock and no matter what terror you face or doubt you may have he is where you should find your security. Security is defined as freedom from danger, risk, care, anxiety, or doubt. It is a well-founded confidence. Security is also defined as something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise, obligation, or the payment of a debt. If we put our trust in Jesus, he will sustain us through our darkest hours. His sacrifice on Calvary was the deposit paid on our behalf to bless us with the assurance of Gods promise of security through salvation. But knowing God is our security isn’t enough. We must put our knowledge into practice. If the young lady in the parable above only knew of where to find her security but did not act upon it, our tale would have had a disastrous ending. Lets take a look at the book of Matthew to see what the Bible says about this principle.
24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 NIV
The challenges of life are many and far reaching. They tax and burden even the strongest of men. In these times of trouble, people often lean on something superficial or temporal to sustain them through their struggles. But as Believers, we should be leaning on Christ for he is genuine and eternal. Through him, we have the assurance that come what may, God will always be in control. The Apostle Paul states it aptly in the book of Romans.
36″For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 NIV
As Believers we must put into practice the principle that God has the final say in all things. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. If you are plagued with doubt, fear, and unbelief, turn your cares over to the Lord. Cling to The Rock! If you are struggling in your finances, place your faith in what is eternal instead of what is temporal. Cling to The Rock! If you have been rejected by your family, friends, or church don’t give up on God or even yourself. Cling to The Rock! If you are stricken with illness or injury, don’t look for man to solve your problems. Cling to The Rock! Be Blessed, My Friends. Be an Overcomer!
Bro. Jason Z. Hunt
Memory Verse: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 NIV
Memory Word: “Security”: 1. freedom from danger, risk, care, anxiety, or doubt; a well-founded confidence. 2. something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise, obligation, or the payment of a debt.
Inspiring Music: “With Everything” by Hillsong
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