Have you heard of the Rock of Gibraltar? It is a solid mass of limestone on the southern coast of Spain, jutting far out into the Mediterranean Sea. This huge rock is 1400 feet high and covers about two square miles. It is joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land where an airfield has been built.
A family who had traveled a long way in their boat arrived at Gibraltar. They planned to spend the winter months in a sheltered spot, because violent storms can arise suddenly on the Mediterranean Sea. They knew that strong winds of hurricane force had torn boats from their moorings, while others had been wrecked. So the owner of the boat began to search for the safest spot he could find.
The owner dived under and around the boat and found an enormous chain with several strong chains coming from it. This great chain was embedded in the Rock of Gibraltar at one end, and the other end was buried under the airport runway. He soon attached his small boat to these chains, and, in spite of ten major storms that winter, their boat was unharmed, safe and secure.
There is another great Rock that you may have heard of. This Rock is a person, and this little chorus tells who it is:
This Rock is Jesus, yes He’s the one;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One;
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds, and grips
the solid Rock.
As we travel through life, you and I will face many severe storms. These are not the storms of wind and waves; these storms are of trouble, hard times, sickness or sadness. Many lives are wrecked or torn apart when the hard times come and there is nothing firm to hold on to. But Jesus promises that if we are anchored to Him, we will be safe -both for this life and for the life which is to come.
The chain that the boat owner used to anchor his boat was there for whoever came and used it. And Jesus is ready to receive any boy or girl, man or woman, who comes to Him for salvation and safety. He has promised, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise [no way] cast out” (John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)). And He is not only a strong, solid Rock, but He has a personal interest in and love for each person, young or old. Here is His invitation: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)).
Is your life anchored on Jesus, the Rock?
ML-04/01/2007