28th June 2023
Rock-solid love
I was reminded recently of the rock-solid love of Christ. I collect rocks that I feel are unusual, and some of the ones I find precious are the heart shaped rocks I find when needing to feel God’s presence. It is a reminder that he does care for us personally. I have found quite a few heart-shaped rocks over the years. We all need a reminder of God’s love, and we all need to share this love with others.
I have been blessed with neighbours who farm all around me. I love the manicured look, the dedication to their fields, and the fact that they do not mind me walking in these fields; though I try to stay near the fence line and not disturb their crops. One of the things that I love to do is to remove the rocks as I find them in the field. These are good sized rocks that may cause a problem to the planning; and ones I can lift. I pile them up along the fence line, but they always are accompanied with a prayer.
As I pick up the rock, I thank God for his rock-solid love for us. I ask for his protection for my family, but I also include my neighbours. I pray for their protection as they work their fields because it is a very dangerous job. I pray for a blessing on their crops, their health, their marriages, and their lives. As I place these rocks down, I make a low fence, and I ask for protection from the evil of this world and the evil one who would love to divide us from God’s love.
The rocks have no power. The fence does not have power, but these things remind me of who does and who it is that loves us. I am kept near to God with my prayers, I am reminded of his love, and of the love he has for us all.
1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV) says, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” We all can lean on this rock; we all are supported with his rock-solid foundation of love. Though God has great power; greater than we can even imagine, God chooses to use love instead.
It reminds me of how the disciples wanted to call down fire to consume those who rejected Jesus’ entering their city, but the response of Jesus was one of love; he rebuked their suggestion (Luke 9: 51-56). God came to save the world, not condemn it. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NLT) says, ‘This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ came into the world to save sinners”- and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.’
And so you are, and so you do.
Prayer
Great God our Father; you are love, and you show your love, and you give it freely. I am amazed by your love for us, and I thank you God for the reminders that you share with us all. We love you too God! In Jesus’s, Amen
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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