Rock and foundation (Proper A16)

This week we see God's awesome power, marvelous deeds, and peerless beauty as the rock and foundation for our faith and praise. We see in the story of Moses in the bulrushes one of those harrowing and serendipitous events that leaves us with jaw to chest. Often when I hear a story like that I shake my head and say, "It's just like God to do something like that." When the tumor disappears, or when a downed power line only gives a shock to the elbow instead of death's blow, I shake my head and almost laugh at the power of God!

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side--let us now say-- if it had not been the LORD who was on our side . . . .

Isaiah says, "Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug." God shows his mighty works! He multiplies solitary Abraham to a nation. God will comfort! His love and salvation will outlast even his marvelous creation!

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom andn knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"n
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"n
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen

Paul sings, then gives the punch line: therefore….

Jesus keys in on the meaning of Peter's new name in his response to his proclamation that Jesus is the messiah. "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." Peter's confession no less reveals the power of God, than the parting of the Red Sea. For here the beauty of God is flesh and blood and the revelation is heavenly.