By Stuart Powell
Can God make a rock so big that he can’t move it?
That question is intended to confuse the argument that Yahweh God is all-powerful. It is seldom posed as a valid inquiry.
The rationale behind it follows this line of thinking: Can a deity who is unlimited in creative ability and power create something that exceeds his abilities? The absurdity of the premise does nothing to dissuade those who apply it only in those cases they fail to understand.
I do know of a rock that God created that can’t be moved by anything in all of creation, either in the physical or spiritual worlds. Jesus described that rock as he was teaching his disciples:
“But what about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it (Matthew 16:15-18).
The immovable rock of ages is the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of the only Creator God. It is the rock upon which God continues to build his assembly of holy people, the church.
When we, the church, gather to worship, we set aside time to remember what Jesus did to demonstrate that he is God’s rock of ages. Our worship is seen in the act of eating bread and drinking from a cup. Those common practices in these circumstances are the proclamation of the immovable rock.
This rock is higher than Everest. It is more beautiful than Rushmore. It will outlast the Rockies or the Himalayas.
As you eat, recall the flesh of Jesus torn by whips and pierced by nails. As you drink, focus on the blood of the Christ that God uses to wash away the sins of his people.
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
0 Comments