Embedded Rocks -- Joryln Grasser

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26


The lighthouse winks periodically, its blaring horn warns ships. Lake Michigan’s water laps over the shores’ round rocks. I am having a rare playtime with my dad. He lets me wander, watching as I chase waves and then laughing as waves chase me. Dusk begins to settles. When I leave I carry a few, small rocks in my pocket as a trophy of our day.

Like my pocket rocks, rocks in the Bible play an important role in God’s story of His people. Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on a rock alter, but God intervened. They reinforced with a huge stone the rock-hewed grave in which they buried Jesus. God intervened again and rolled it away. God’s plans for Moses changed when he disobeyed and struck the rock numerous times. The significance of each story teaching us today.

Since Bible times each year as the farmer prepared his field he encountered new rocks once deeply embedded. They broke loose and rose to the surface. These must be dealt with before planting can begin.

As the farmer prepares the field, even so God must prepare us. As believers, we must not allow sin to become embedded, its presence so obscure we refuse to acknowledge it. Bitterness and anger create rock solid formations. These refuse to diminish as we attempt to shovel aside the failures they create.

God is our only help. Forgiveness comes as we acknowledge Him as the cleansing source. He attacks sin one shovel full at a time, removing and tossing it beyond our reach.

Embedding our lives in Biblical truths creates deep craters of assurance. God’s Word provides peace. Each truth nugget builds confidence-sustaining stability. Our heavenly Father smiles as we test His promises. He honors our desire to embed His Word within. Soon, trophy verses become life’s stepping stone, each a solid rock we hold precious.

Daily living embedded in God’s Word provides solid footing when life’s waves lash against us. Our faith stands strong, as His Word becomes a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”. (Psalm 119:105)

Jorlyn A. Grasser is a freelance writer living in Knightdale, North Carolina. She has been published in Secret Place, Horizons, Seek, Evangel and other publications. She enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her grandchildren.