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March, 2026 (Vol.60-No.3) |
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I’VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN THE PSALMS THESE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, not only because there is something there for every need or problem I might be facing; but mainly because it’s what my heart needs right now. I need the psalmist’s raw honesty to help me give voice to what’s going on in my own heart. I need to know I’m not alone in my feelings of loneliness, isolation, fear, guilt, and sorrow. I need certainty in these uncertain times and the Psalms point me to what is true and unchanging. As I read through the pages, there’s a repeated theme throughout the Psalms. Whether the psalmist is singing praise and thanksgiving or crying out in lament, there is an often-repeated word or phrase used to describe who God is. The psalmist refers to God as his shelter and refuge. He describes God as a ROCK, a fortress, a stronghold. "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower" (Psalm 18:2); "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me" (Psalm 31:3); “Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress" (Psalm 71:3). The prophet Samuel said that “…neither is there any rock like our God” (1st Samuel 2:2). Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, rocks and stones are not merely part of the landscape - they are powerful metaphors for the nature of God, the stability of faith, and the reality of divine interaction. The Bible contains hundreds of references to stones, rocks, and gems, with estimates ranging from over 99 to more than 500 total mentions depending on the translation. In the King James Version, the word "stone" appears over 360 times, while "rock" appears more than 120 times, frequently symbolizing God's strength, stability, and enduring nature. Jesus is described “…as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious" (1st Peter 2:70). “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner” (1st Peter 2:4). Psalm 118:22 reads: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” This verse highlights a theme of divine reversal, where what is rejected by human authority is elevated by God. It is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ. This signifies that Jesus is the essential foundation upon which the Church and our lives are built. Believers are also called "living stones" being built into a spiritual house (1st Peter 2:5), emphasizing that we are active, connected parts of God’s kingdom. Just as Jesus was the first-goer, this reference to why we are referred to as “living stones,” explains why Jesus is the cornerstone from which we (the church) are built. In Luke 19:40, Jesus notes that if people keep quiet, "the stones will cry out." This highlights that all creation acknowledges the glory of God. It serves as a reminder to worshippers to actively praise God, rather than leaving it to the stones. Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple and He said, “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Mark 13:1-9; Luke 21:5-9). This was so unusual because stones put into a wall stay put. Christians are to remain steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Isaiah said, “I have set my face like a flint” (Isaiah 50:7) when he was describing the firmness of purpose which the Messiah would have. The most pivotal stone in the Bible is the one rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. That moved stone signifies that our Savior is not trapped by death. He is a life-giver and the ultimate source of resurrection power. The Bible contains over one hundred references to precious gemstones, most notably in the High Priest's Breastplate are the 12 different precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:17-21); and the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20). These include Jasper, Sapphire, Agate, Emerald, Onyx, Carnelian, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysoprase, Jacinth, and Amethyst. Large stones were frequently used to commemorate major events, such as the 12 stones of remembrance set up after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 4:1-9). Joshua set up twelve stones from the Jordan River to commemorate the crossing (Joshua 4:20-24). Chapter four of Joshua has more references to stones than any other chapter in the Bible. Verse 7 concludes by saying, that the stones “were established as a lasting, perpetual memorial for the Israelites.” Passing over Jordan was to be a lasting memorial of how God was leading His people. Samuel set up a stone named "Ebenezer" (Stone of Help) after a victory over the Philistines (1st Samuel 7:12). Jacob used a stone as a pillow, then set it up as a memorial pillar (Genesis 28:18). Stones teach us about permanence and steadfastness. And as most of you already know, Jacob’s Stone is now located in Scottland. We believe that Jeremiah brought it with him when he came there from Egypt with Zedekiah’s two daughters, Tea Tephi (or Tea-Tephi) and Tamar Tephi. Sometimes one is referred to as Scota, though sources vary on whether these names represent two distinct individuals or variations of the same person.   Jacob's Stone After the Coronation of King Charles III, the stone was returned to Scotland, where it was again put on display at Edinburgh Castle alongside the Crown, Scepter and Sword of State. Earlier this year, the stone was moved to its new home at the Perth Museum in Perth, Scottland. Again, Bethel is where Jacob memorialized his vision. Gilgal is where Joshua commemorated the Israelites’ miraculous entrance into the Promised Land. And Samuel erected an Ebenezer stone after God thwarted the Philistine’s attack. These are three cases of biblical characters laying memorial stones, and these three have become significant locations throughout biblical history. Stones were used as a method of execution in the Old, and New Testaments. While Jesus intervened to stop the stoning of an adulterous woman (John 8:1–11), the New Testament records the death of Stephen by stoning (Acts 7:58-60) and attempts to stone Jesus (John 10:31) and Paul (Acts 14:5). As a somewhat more unconventional way of killing someone with stones, Jesus referred to using a stone when he said: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). In the ancient world, being drowned with a heavy millstone - often one turned by a donkey - ensured there was no hope of survival, serving as a metaphor for final, irreversible judgment. This is a stern warning for adults, mentors, and teachers regarding their responsibility for the spiritual well-being of children and new believers, emphasizing that actions leading them away from faith are a serious offense. Many years ago there was a man who lived here on the mountain (who’s name I will not mention), who after a while became unable to live the disciplined life that is required for everyone here. When he finally decided to leave, he said, “this place is nothing but a pile of ROCKS!” Truer words were never spoken. I guess he did not like rocks. Most people are not that fond of having rocks protruding up from the ground all over their property. Farmers find rocks a liability and a nuisance. Building contractors will increase their bid to build a house if they suspect there are rocks under the sub soil which will need to be removed. Preparing spaces for gardens and planting of anything require more work when having to remove rocks. So most consider rocks a nuisance or hindrance in working the land. But how wrong they are! I have been investigating the benefits of having rocky soil and it’s amazing at just how beneficial rocks can be: For starters, rocks enhance drainage and play a big part in erosion control and soil stability. They help to prevent topsoil from being washed away, especially on slopes and hills. Rocks do not provide a food source or a hospitable environment for common garden pests like termites, slugs, and snails, unlike organic mulches. Rocks can act as a barrier that reduces water evaporation from the soil beneath, helping to retain moisture. Over long periods, the natural weathering of certain types of rocks (such as basalt or granite) can slowly release trace minerals and nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium into the soil, benefiting plant growth and helping to stabilize soil ph. Also, rocks can absorb and retain heat during the day, which can help warm the soil when it’s cool. And rocky outcrops in natural landscapes provide essential habitats and shelter for a variety of specialized plants and animals. I know that there are a variety of wildlife that live in our caves and along the bluffs on our property. Also, the woodchucks and other types of animals burrow under rocks to make their dens. I’m sure that there are other benefits to having rocks and stones; but for those of us who live on this mountain the main benefit is just the fact that the rocks and natural stones provide aesthetics and design versatility. We use them for everything – to line the flower beds, to form little rock walls in certain places, to make stone paths, and even to line the graves in our cemetery, to mention a few uses. Simply said, we think the rocks we are blessed with on Baca Mountain are beautiful, each unique and special. Margaret probably loved rocks more than any of us. She had so many that she had collected over the years – Quartz, Amethyst (which is a variety of Quartz), a little bowl of marble stones, Agates, various natural stones (Granite and Arkansas Field stones) that had been fossilized, Celestobarite, Lapis lazuli (which are a beautiful blue color), river rocks, smooth round sea pebbles, and too many more to mention. But Margaret’s favorite rock was a nice native Field Stone that she found down the hill where an old mobile home used to be. Several years ago, before her health started failing, she took the time to roll that rock (one turn at a time) all the way up the mountain so that she could place it in the driveway behind our backyard. I don’t know how long it took her, but it must have taken a long time because the rock weighs around a hundred pounds and she had to move it about 700 to 800 feet, all uphill. When the contractors for the local telephone company were here last summer installing new fiber optic lines all over our property, Margaret made a special point to talk with them about this particular stone and how she didn’t want it damaged or moved. Those guys were so nice about it. They literally went out of their way to avoid disturbing that rock, and then they seeded the entire area back with grass seed. When they were finished they had Margaret and I come out to inspect and make sure that the rock was okay and where it should be. Margaret carefully inspected everything and then gave her approval. 😊 That rock is still right where it’s been for I-don’t-know-how-many years. I plan to have it engraved and placed as the headstone for Margaret’s grave. Billie loved rocks, too. She was always emphatic about not wanting anyone moving them. She did not want any of the trees cut down either. She was passionate about leaving the environment undisturbed. Her favorite rock was one that Margaret’s son Mark found and hauled down the mountain to give to her. It’s a big gorgeous blackish colored stone that is very flat. He placed it at the bottom of the stairs coming down from the front deck to be used as a “steppingstone.” I’m sure that she loved the rock simply because of its natural beauty and uniqueness, but probably more so because Mark had given it to her when he was very young. To this day, that rock remains where Mark put it. And it’s been there for over fifty years now. Brian and Gail also have a nice collection of rocks and stones; and of course I love them all, too. On cold mornings, when I know that the snakes are hibernating, Rosie and I will take a detour on our morning or afternoon walks and go through parts of the woods that have been totally undisturbed. This is where I have found so many great stones which we’ve used for lining flower beds and the driveways. Some have to be brought out in a wheelbarrow one at a time. So, why did God create rocks? He told Job to be in “league with the stones of the field” (Job 5:23). To be in league with would suggest developing a relationship with stones. This might mean spending time with, be in agreement with, listen to, look at, learn from, etc. So, what can we learn from stones? Stones teach us to remember. Stones have an enduring quality. If you want information to endure, put it in stone. It may not last on paper or books and certainly not in an email. One wrong click and it is gone! God put the Ten Commandments on stone - twice. Visit Mt. Rushmore and you’ll find the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abe Lincoln chiseled in stone, five stories high, and not to be forgotten. We put stone markers on gravesites to help us remember the important details of relatives and friends who have died. Stones can teach us about the foundations of our faith. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:l9-20). This is the most important stone around which we can build a strong relationship. In practical terms, a rock is a place to hide behind. Its clefts and caves provide shelter from beasts and storms and enemies. A rock is also a foundation upon which we stand or build. It is solid and sure. Rocks are used to build walls and fortresses to protect those within. A massive rock, like a mountain, is immovable; it stands firm through the fiercest storms and battles. So it’s no wonder the Lord is referred to as a rock. It’s one of his many names found in Scripture: “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” (Deut. 32:4). Used figuratively, this name reminds us that we can run to God when we are afraid. We can seek safety and security in him. He is our dwelling place (Deut. 33:27). He is our protector and refuge from the ferocious storms of life. He is our savior and rescuer. And while all around us is chaos, our God is unchanging and constant.. Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s promises to be our rock and fortress. He is our true shelter and dwelling place. He is the answer to the psalmist’s cry for salvation and deliverance. He rescued us from sin and death. He united Himself to us through faith in His life, death, and resurrection. He made us His own. He is our place of safety, our refuge, our strength, our fortress. ***************************************** Lyrics to the song: I GO TO THE ROCK By Dottie Rambo Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I turn to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable? I go to the Rock, I know He's able, I go to the Rock I go to The Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock Where do I hide till the storms have all passed over? Who do I run to when the winds of sorrow threaten? Is there a refuge in the time of tribulation? When my soul needs consolation, I go to the Rock I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to The Rock    What a beautiful "Pile of Rocks!" | Return Home | Current Wingspread | Wingspread Archives | Contact Us | |
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