As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 9:33, KJV)
I was looking in the window of a hotel store in Jerusalem at a display of an exotic and exclusive collection of historical rocks dug out from the ground in Israel. As I studied the shapes and colors, a man walked out of the shop and introduced himself as the owner. He invited me in and politely led me to a chair and said, “Please make yourself at home.” His assistant introduced himself and kindly brought tea and dates for me to feast on.
The owner began to speak of the difficulties of success. He spoke of his trips to the U.S., where he has another shop that he takes this sacred rock collection to sell. He explained that the long trips made him weary, as he tried to keep his investment in these treasured items from the land of Israel.
Then, he gently selected a rock and put it in front of my eyes. He gazed at it and said, “You see this rock? It was dug out of this land hundreds of years ago. It is sacred because it is from this land. It has meaning. Notice its beauty in cut and color.” I studied the rock. He continued, “People travel for miles to come here and purchase such a rock because it is significant to the history of this land.” He looked at me for a response. I then said, “A rock? People travel for miles to this land because they want a rock?” He said, “Yes of course. They want a rock that tells of the years that this land has existed.” I said, “You have an exquisite shop. The rocks are as you say, beautiful in cut and color. But, let me tell you, I know of a Rock who can keep your soul from perishing. This Rock has been known for two thousand years. This Rock is one on which you can stand and know that it will keep you through the troubles of your life. This Rock can hold you strong against your enemies. It has the power to cleanse you and assure you of the forgiveness of your sins. This Rock is so rich in beauty that it cannot be purchased with silver or gold. It can set you free from the guilt of sin.
“Would you like for me to tell you the name of this Rock?” His eyes grew eager to know. He whispered, … “Yes.” I said Yeshua! He looked at me very seriously. I said, “Would you not rather have the Rock of Salvation, so that you know that you have life eternal and not perish? That small rock in your hand offers you nothing!” He was silent. He paced back and forth. After a few minutes he raised his head. His eyes were filled with wonder. He said, “You have made me wonder and want this.”
At that moment my husband walked in. I introduced him. The man placed his hands behind his back hiding the small rock. He said, “Your wife, this woman, has something to say. It is strong and has made me search of what I cannot speak of.”
We understood that what he could not speak of was Yeshua. His eyes were searching ours, and he smiled with an amazing joyful look in his eyes. My husband smiled with him. At that moment, Jesuswas speaking to his heart of stone and making it a heart of flesh.
“Abba, Father, You who are our Rock in Your Son, cause us to build our foundation on Him alone, so that those around us in the midst of the inner war of dismay and hopelessness may witness the Rock that keeps us in His strength, love, grace, power and mercy. May we, whom You uphold with Your righteous right hand, behold the unshakable Fortress who helps us and strengthens us in Himself. May we stand on this Rock in our faith in Him, as we wait to behold His glory when He returns with His heavenly army to Jerusalem, on which You have placed the Name of the Rock of our Salvation, Yeshua, the Messiah.”