A Chip off the Old Block
Isaiah 51:1
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.”
What a paradox we as Christians are. On the one hand, we’re a bundle of dust particles plucked from earthen soil; but on the other hand, we’re an eternal gemstone formed in the depths of Zion’s heart—hewn from the Rock of Ages Himself. And therein lies the struggle, doesn’t it? We’re so hyper aware of our frailties and deficiencies that spiritual introspection can often sink us deeper into the mire. That’s why I love the way Paul describes this psychological tension in Romans 7 and 8. Far too often, we’re like Elijah in the wilderness and David in the cave and Peter after his denial, bemoaning our wretchedness, when we should be like Elijah on that chariot of fire and David before the Ark and Peter at the Mount of Transfiguration, rejoicing in our salvation.
Today, Christian, as you take the next step in your pursuit of Christ’s righteousness, let Isaiah 51:1 fortify your faith for the journey ahead. You might be feeble as dust on the outside; but you’re strong as a rock where it matters most.