Stones

If you’re planning a seaside holiday, you may well bring back some stones from the beach as a memento of your visit.  What will happen to them after the excitement they recall has faded?  They could lead you into worthwhile meditation.

The feast of Pentecost this weekend concludes the sequence of commemorations that began back in February with Ash Wednesday at the start of Lent.  We easily recall the good news of Easter, when the stone was found to be rolled away from the tomb (Matt. 28:2).

But the Bible has much more to say about stones.  For example, used with a skill born of experience, they can be an effective weapon, as Goliath found to his cost (1 Sam. 17:49)!  Spectacular as this story involving stones is, however, we mustn’t be deterred from thinking of their constructive use.

Stone is a strong material, and hence a very good structural basis for a building, but it doesn’t necessarily provide the fine finish that makes the end-product beautiful. Subject to strict guidelines (1 Kings 6:7), quarried stone was used by Solomon for the building of the temple, but this was all covered with cedar so that no stone was visible in the finished structure (v.18).

Writing about the perils of everyday life, the ‘Preacher’ of the Old Testament warned about the dangers associated with quarrying stones (Ecclesiastes 10:9).  Perhaps with the many powerful things that man has created in modern times, we should be even more careful, such as in driving fast cars, dealing with high electrical voltages or using potent drugs.  Stones are also a reminder to avoid temptation ... or at least to seek help in overcoming it.

During those long days in the desert, Jesus was tempted to use His divine powers for His own ends by turning stones into bread (Matt. 4:3), but He was able to turn to Scripture to defeat Satan: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Deut. 8:3).

Looking at those stones you bring back from the beach, there is much to learn from them.  One example is our responsibility.  Look at the story of Palm Sunday, beginning at Luke 19:28.  The crowds were cheering and rejoicing as Jesus entered Jerusalem but the Pharisees didn’t like this and tried to quieten them.  Jesus’ response was, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!” (v.40).  The idiom of speaking stones is an echo from the Old Testament (Hab. 2:11), and tells us that we are to speak out about Jesus and the salvation he brings.  If we don’t, creation itself will take up the call.

Finally, if you are in any doubt about this implied charge, check out what Peter has to say (1 Peter 2:4-9).  He reminds his readers, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (v.5).

Happy holidays!