Jesus, My Rock

“Therefore we will not fear.”  ~Psalm 46:2

On December 21, 1989, off the coast of Brittany, France, a series of famous photographs were taken of a lighthouse named La Jument. As the 30-foot waves roared, lashed, and tiraded, the lighthouse stood firm and immovable.

I often think of La Jument as I read passages like Psalm 2. The nations rage and foam and set themselves against the LORD and His Anointed, but Jesus, like La Jument, is immovable, immutable, and unwavering. Lash and foam as the godless might, our Lord Jesus can never be moved! 

And then I think of Théodore Malgorn. Théodore was the lighthouse keeper who opened the lighthouse door just as the monstrous swell engulfed the lighthouse. Yet, as the photographs from the helicopter prove, he was safe and sound in the refuge of his stone sanctuary. Christian, we are surrounded by a multitude who want to burst the bonds and cast away the cords of our Lord God. As they wave their fists at Him, they also wave their fists at and deride His people. Yet we, like Théodore, are nestled in the refuge of a strong tower, Jesus Christ. “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 12:2).     

In addition to being surrounded by those who gnarl at Jesus, His Word, and His people, we face other trials too. “Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). You know, in your own life, the challenges you face. From the decay of your body, to overbearing work demands, to loneliness, to the losing or loss of loved ones, to relationship strains, and the list goes on. And then you are aware of your own failures: shortcomings as a son or daughter, father or mother, husband or wife, churchman, witness for Christ, etc. And on top of all that, there is the temptation to fret over the goings on of our nation: encroachment upon our constitutional liberties, our house-of-cards economy, the moral and spiritual deterioration of our culture, and the threat of international warfare. There are many waves, it seems, that torrent around us and disquiet our souls.  

But again, we will not be moved! We refuge in our Rock.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
(Psalm 46:1-3)

Brothers and sisters, I say to you today, as I say to myself, do not fret. Is the Lord Jesus Christ not our keeper? Say to Him, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2).

Rev. Rob Dykes, Pastor of Preaching & Congregational Care