Sunday, April 19, 2015

THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 22

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The fortress of Masada stands high above the Jordan Valley floor. It was here that Herod built his highly protected palace to which he could escape. Later it was used by Jewish freedom fighters who, for a couple of years, resisted a Roman siege. It was in this area where David hid from those who sought to destroy him. He may have had this scene in mind as he sang, “The Lord is my Rock.”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 22:2

And he said: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer…”

The words of today’s reading take on much more significance because of the previous chapters in the life of King David and those around him. David has lived a perilous life. He has fled from King Saul and from his own son, Absalom. From his years as a shepherd boy, protecting his sheep from the lion and the bear, to the rebellions which could have taken his life, David knew very well that he needed a hiding place in a time of crisis. David had hidden in the cleft of a rock. He had known the protection of a fortress. Now, as he composes and sings these Psalms, he is not at all confused as to how he has been saved each time. He recognized that he was never protected by a physical rock or a fortress made of stone alone. He confesses that his true Deliverer in every case was the Lord God. We learn here that God is our Protector, our strength and our future.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I run into Your loving arms. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. Keep me, I pray, from foolish human pride which would make me think, even for a moment, that I can go it alone. In Your strong Name, Jesus, I ask for Your grace 24/7, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

David burst into song when he realized all God had done for him. I’ve done the same just now. As I sing, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in Thee,” I think of my dear friend, George Beverly Shea, who, at the age of 104, went into the immediate presence of his Rock, his Fortress and his Deliverer, the Lord Jesus. George, or Bev, as he became known, was raised in Canada’s capital region and was a graduate of Annesley College in Ottawa, where my parents served. As Billy Graham’s soloist, he has probably sung to more people in person than anyone else (click here to hear him sing about the “Rock of Ages”). I can never read 2 Samuel 22 without also singing a children’s song, the words taken from this Scripture, and the music composed by my son-in-law, Bruce Stacey. My great-grandchildren began singing this when they were two years old (click here for the God Rocks team singing “The Lord is my Rock”).

Yours, singing for joy at the knowledge that “He is my Rock,”

David

P.S. I watched a very special 100 Huntley Street telecast on my lap top yesterday. I encourage you to do the same and then call in your pledge of support for this culture-challenging and culture-changing ministry. Thank you!!! (click here)

 

9 thoughts on “Sunday, April 19, 2015

  1. WOW!
    Such powerful singing and words in both versions. It was great that you were able to attend George Beverly Shea’s memorial service along with Billy Graham and the RCMP officer afew years ago.
    Shalom,
    Graham.
    2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus..

  2. Thank you for the music in your Lesson today. I have been clinging to the Rock if Ages, it is now two weeks since my operation. Praise God I was able to get out to church this morning, it was so nice to be there and have communion. Thank you dear Lord for taking such good care if me and bless all who prayed on my behalf . In Jesus Name Amen.

  3. Thanks for the musical link; I also immediately thought of “I Go to the Rock” which I found on YouTube by the Gaithers and others.

  4. Psalm 27:1 The Lord is the light of my salvation…whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.

    Sang with Bev “Rock of Ages” with Cheryl the children’s song “The Lord is My Rock”.

    Thank you for the picture of The Fortress of Masada” what a sad story it holds within its walls.

  5. Especially liked Cheryl’s singing. Always enjoyed Bev Shea. So much fighting in the last week’s blog. It is confusing to me. Some day we will understand.

  6. Simply to the cross I cling, amen!! Amen!

    “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
    He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.”

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