Rocks are part of God’s creation. Humanity is part of God’s creation. Though rocks are hard, with enough force they can be crushed or split open. But what of the hardness of humanity? What marks the readiness of the human response to the Will of the Creator?
In view of the lack of proper response, note what John the baptizer stated to some who heard his preaching in preparing the way for the Messiah where we read. . .
“(7) He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.” (Luke 3:7-8 ESV)
Though many who came to hear were not duly responsive to the need for repentance, John noted God’s ability to raise up children for Abraham even from the stones around them. In other words, despite hard hearts, God plan would and does move forward.
Even Jesus noted some who made the claim of their connection to Abraham while not exhibiting a kindred spirit (John 8:39-40) as they were not accepting of Him as the long awaited Messiah. When Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, in view of the criticism directed toward those who did rejoice over Him, we read Jesus’ response. . .
“(40) He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”” (Luke 19:40)
If the due praise did not arise from the human mouth, it could arise from the stones. Jesus would have His praise. He would and will receive His due acknowledgment and response. The question is, will it be from me? Will it be from you?
We need to give serious consideration to what marks the makeup of our heart? Does it need to be crushed? Does it need to be broken? Sometimes that is where the turning begins. (i.e. Psalm 51:17) Are we responding appropriately to the Lord and the truth of salvation in Him? Are we continuing to surrender wholly to the Will of God?
God spoke through Ezekiel of a time of change among His people in stating. . .
“(19) And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, (20) that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20 ESV) [also Ezekiel 36:26]
If we are struggling with a heart of stone, may we allow God and His Word to soften our heart to allow His purposes to be worked in and through us and therefore bring His blessings into our life. He will have His Way! He will have His people! In Christ we can become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) duly responsive to His Sovereign Will. May we nurture and retain a surrendered heart to the Divine Will and so be numbered among those who are heirs of Abraham and offerors of the praise our Lord deserves!
Have a great day SUSTAINING A SURRENDERED HEART TO THE SAVIOR!
Carl
