During this period of supplication, silence, and meditation, I find in my journey a pictorial message I would like to share. After a mild hike through the seclusion I meet a water source. After meditating in the peace of the waves crashing into the shore, I begin to concentrate on a small boulder.
This particular rock is in a peculiar place, for it is almost totally encased by larger boulders that tower above it and seem to focus on. It is "trapped" on three sides-the left, back and right. And if this were not itself a predicament, the face of the small boulder is being hit directly with every crashing wave. God’s message was in this illustration.
As I study the small boulder more, I notice that is sways back and forth with each pressing and receding wave. Studying more intensely, I notice that though it sways with each push and pull, it does not loose its place or footing and stays in the location of where it is situated- surrounded by the larger boulders that seem as a set towering never-ending walls and constantly facing the ever-repeating pounding of the waves.
In Greek the English word “stone” translates to “Petra.” From Petra we derive the name Peter. We know of Peter the dedicated disciple and with the first known name of Simon (which means to hear). So we in turn now have Simon Peter, (the stone that hears) a disciple that would be a "Rock" with Christ. Thus in our sacred canon, Simon Peter’s most dominant spiritual attribute was that of FAITH. We may easily demonstrate this, if we allude to scene at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). There Jesus asks, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man am? The disciples reply with various answers. Jesus then asks, "But whom say ye that I am?" Fervently Simon Peter answers, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Verses 17-19 state, "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
WOW! That’s so awesome!
Peter in the text is the personification of faith and Jesus proclaims that on this faith that he will build up his people/ his church. I would elaborate more on a tangent of building people and church, but that shall be for another time.
God speaks of the blessings that come about from this strong stone-like faith in him and what can be obtained with it. Jesus proclaims,” Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith…ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.” (Mat 21:21-22) And know that, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” With this in mind, blessings are but a faithful prayer away. But wait! There is also a type of protective order presented in this biblical scene whereby, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” That would be another shouting part, as Pastor would say.
I shall digress back to the scene of the small stone on the shoreline. The rock, though small, holds tight to its position and shall represent the ideal Christian. Looking upon the image, its size does not determine it strength. Remember that faith even as small as a mustard seed can produce miracles. The Christian should stand steadfastly to its position (its faith, its strength) and face the enemy’s repeated waves of attack. God allows the attacks to take place for he understands the refinement in it. The water itself shall represent the essence of God as the universal solvent, for with enough time he breaks down any and everything. Again, the waves are the enemy’s attacks and they constantly disrupt the peaceful water. Ponder on the fact that there is never a wave that hits a shore line that is like the wave that hit before or after it. This fact carries to every body of water. The Christian is pushed and pulled by the enemy (attacked) yet endures and prepares for the next wave and understands that next shall not be as the last for it could be worst or less than. The faithful Christian has come out victorious from each and every attack and, being more than a conqueror, the face of the same attacker will never come again.
The universal solvent continues to allow waves to attack the Christian for he knows that divine refinement is in process. This particular rock is being removed of what is superfluous to itself, smoothed, and cleaned! The rock is being perfected- to resist more waves (fight) and breaks off to create more like it (preach & teach & evangelize)- even in the midst of what it seems to be going constantly going through. Be as this rock, being strong and steadfast in your faith. Be understanding to the fact that that is where your power lies. I challenge your to cultivate to your spiritual faith on this day. Be a faithful follower of the Father.
The saying is that no one wants to die, but everyone wants to go to heaven. Not to be morbid, but the inevitable shall come for all of us. The time may come in your walk where a permitted wave shall grab hold of you. Be not afraid of death for the essence of life is calling you home to be at peace for evermore. You shall be under His ever-nourishing covering in heaven and joined those who were like you on earth. You shall be reunited with family lost from the terrestrial realm. You shall be returned to the Father as reconciliation is his divine order. Rededicate yourself to him on this day. Stay steadfast to your faith, for it is your strength and your center of gravity that allows balance when enemy forces attack. Let him refine you. Let him perfect you.
Be blessed, all that lay eyes on this.
Be with Him.
Be at Peace.
Be loved.
Your Brother, Your Shoulder, Your Servant,
T. S. Deadwyler
Ethical Vision
Saturday, June 28, 2008 @ 2337
