"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:2).

Oftentimes the Scripture draws an analogy between the Lord and a rock. Our text is only one such example from a dozen in the psalms. The attributes of a large rock--immobility, shelter from the elements, a strong foundation, and impenetrable defense--help us better understand the nature of our God. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust" (Psalm 18:2).

In his famous interpretation of a dream involving a chronology of great empires, Daniel explained how a "stone was cut out without hands" (Daniel 2:34) which would dash all earthly dynasties and then "shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed" (2:44) Here Christ's return and reign are pictured as the ultimate empire at the end of the age.

Moreover, Christ is pictured for us as the Rock in the wilderness: "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (I Corinthians 10:4). When the children of Israel were afflicted with thirst in the wilderness, Moses was instructed to "smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink" (Exodus 17:6). It is a beautiful picture of how Christ, being judged on Calvary for our sins, provides the water of life, freely available to all who will ask.

Recalling Isaiah 8:14 Paul wrote, "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). Indeed, our Lord is a foundation upon which we can securely build our lives: "Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20). DW