LightGrams
August 18, 2016
Volume 20, Number 27
Some in the nation of Bolivia are convinced they know the secret to having whatever material goods they desire. According to a story carried by Reuters on August 16, 2016, an annual festival is held in mid-August. Those who have items they wish to possess are handed a sledge hammer, and they take a swing at a large rock. The fewer the swings before the rock breaks, the sooner they’ll have what they desire.
The custom is based on a legend in which Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to a shepherd girl instructing her to take rocks from a dried river bed. By the time the girl got home, the rocks had turned to silver. Thus, the Bolivian festival is held at the scene where the rocks were supposedly gathered years before.
Does it work? “You can ask for a house, a car, all your wishes are fulfilled,” said one man quoted in the article. In the past he was able to break his rock with only a couple of swings; today he owns a car and a house. He’s convinced this method works.
I’m personally not making travel plans to get to Bolivia anytime soon. I figure pitching coins in a fountain has about the same odds of making my dreams come true. But I do know there is a connection between a Rock and my enjoying an abundant life.
Paul wrote about ancient Israel and their journey from Egypt to Canaan. What sustained them on that difficult trip? “… all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:3,4).
Paul’s statements are based on an incident in Exodus 17 in which Israel’s need for water was strong. In the wilderness no source was in sight; how could they go on? God pointed Moses to a large rock with these words: “… and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink” (Exodus 17:6). Water from the rock – truly a miracle, but also a reminder that God provides for His people.
Fast forward to the day on which Jesus was crucified. After hours of suffering He “gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). To make absolutely certain Jesus was dead, a Roman soldier thrust his spear into Jesus’ side “and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). Again we see the same phenomenon: water from the Rock.
For all who realize their need for life-giving water, that Rock still provides: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37,38).
Tap into this Rock, the Son of God. You’ll be blessed with incredible spiritual riches.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2016, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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