January 20, 2016
And on this rock I will build my church. Matthew 16:18b
In a conversation with Peter, Jesus informs he will be similar to a foundation when forming the church. However, the hymn writer wrote “The Church’s One Foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.” It may be a good idea to start a project with an individual similar to a professional sports team trying to boost its image by centering their efforts around one player but the real groundwork begins with Christ.
“She is his new creation by water and the Word.” We are His new creation when we are born and eventually baptized. Becoming anew further is following Him in readings of the Scripture. Indeed, “her longing eyes are blest.” We have also achieved the “charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.” Once again, we have received something larger than a blessing for which we are most thankful.
The Lord is present with us at all times. We experience the death of a loved one, a failing grade on an exam or the rejection from a job interview-His presence is there to provide a listening ear or lend a shoulder in showing He cares. We are not the only ones whose foundation may be upended. Look at two examples the Psalmist records: “the foundations of the mountains shook (18:7) and “all the foundations of the earth are shaken (82:5).” His presence is vital thus making us thankful for who He is.
An ideal conclusion to these thoughts is found in a similar hymn to the one noted earlier. The hymn, “Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation,” has us singing “Praise and honor to the Father, praise and honor to the Son, praise and honor to the Spirit, ever three and ever one: one in might and one in glory while unending ages run.”
Prayer: God, remind us to be examples of what Isaiah recorded, “a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.” Amen
Jeff Spang