“There is no Rock like our God.’”
Hannah’s Prayer, 1 Samuel 2:2 (NRSV)
The Rock Who Bore You
In her prayer, Hannah spoke of God as a rock, a metaphor first used by Jacob in speaking his prophetic blessing over his son Joseph, saying, “by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.” Centuries later, Moses spoke of God as the Rock Whose work is perfect, and Whose ways are just, Who is faithful and upright.
“Rock” came to mean the security of a sturdy fortress in which God’s people could take confident refuge, and the strength of a seasoned army in which God’s people could count on for victory. David, the king Hannah’s son would one day anoint, sang of the Lord as his rock, his fortress, and his stronghold.
Moses also spoke of the “Rock Who bore you” and “The God Who gave you birth,” and perhaps Hannah had this image in her mind as she prayed and prophesied over her little boy. God had been Hannah’s refuge, and through God’s mighty power, this precious child had been given birth.
Zechariah envisioned that brighter day when Messiah, the great Desire of all people, would usher in His glorious kingdom. The Rock of Heaven would come to earth to become the cornerstone of faith and the capstone of the Church. Fitted to that Rock would be all the living stones of God’s faithful, who would, like Zechariah, be priests who might serve the Lord without fear.
Christmas Carol
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star.Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.Come and worship, come and worship,
“Angels From The Realms Of Glory” James Montgomery (1816)
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Prayer
Oh Lord, You are our Rock, our refuge, and our foundation stone. Through You we have found life, for You have given us birth, and securely keep us for all eternity.
“That we … might serve him without fear.”
Zechariah’s Prophecy, Luke 1:74 (NRSV)
