Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

ROCK OF AGES

There is a much loved hymn from antiquity still sung in many churches throughout the land. The title of it is “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me.” It was written by Augustus M. Toplady in England in 1763, and was first published in 1775.

It was my privilege to visit England a number of years ago. Monuments of our spiritual heritage abound there including the gravesite of this great songwriter and the background from which the song was inspired.

There is a huge mound of stone, a monolith on the side of a narrow highway, and the outgrowth of a former trail. Across the road from the great stone is what one would recognize as a modern ice cream cone store with a couple of picnic tables in the shade of nearby trees. The historical occurrence involving the mammoth stone is captivating. Near the middle of the stone is a cleft, fissure, an indented split wide enough for a person to take shelter during a storm. The story is that Augustus Toplady was returning home one day when near the stone a thunderstorm erupted. He hid himself in the fissure of the stone until the storm passed by. While there he thought of the grace and protection of God and penned the awesome words that became an internationally loved hymn.

How many times did the Psalmist David refer to God as his rock; his fortress; his protection in the storms of life, as in Psalm 18:2? What was true for David and countless others of God’s great saints throughout the ages became practically driven home to the English song writer. It has also been recognized as a blessed reality to most all of God’s people throughout the church age.

On that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, the Godhead was separated over the issue of sin being borne and paid for by the Lovely Lord Jesus Christ. That cleft was for all who would seek shelter from the storms of sin. It is an all sufficient hiding place until the storms of sin are no more. The refuge in the Rock of Ages is so sweet, and so brimming with eternal hope. Why would anyone elect the beating and danger of the raging storm when the Rock of God cleft for them? I love that shelter!

FOR THOUGHT: Have you taken refuge in the Rock of Ages during your storms of life? If so, you have a powerful story to share with others. When did you last share such a story with your friends? Will you

179