Sunday, February 03, 2008

Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady wrote this hymn on a playing card when he found shelter from a storm under a rocky overhang near England's Cheddar Gorge. (See picture) These words moved me today to consider the safety, shelter and salvation that the Lord has magnificently and gratuitously given to me.
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure. Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law's demands. Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace; foul, I to the Fountain fly. Wash me, Savior, or I die! While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I rise to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee."
Oh what a debt I owe to these great men of God from the past. They seriously stir me to love God.
http://www.cheddargallery.co.uk/Images/Holidays/Pinnacles.jpg

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