Building On The Rock—Or Stumbling Over The Stone

 

And Isaiah cries out on behalf of Israel, “Though the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved, for the Lord will execute his sentence on the earth completely and quickly.” Just as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had not left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have resembled Gomorrah.”  What shall we say then?—that the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness obtained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith, but Israel even though pursuing a law of righteousness did not attain it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, “Look, I am laying in Zion a stone that will cause people to stumble and a rock that will make them fall, yet the one who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:27-33 NET

Many Western Christian denominations adhere to the belief that God has chosen only a select few individuals for salvation, often relying on narrow interpretations of scripture that can lead to exclusionary views. However, a closer examination of the relevant biblical passages reveals a more nuanced interpretation: it is actually the people of God who have stumbled by failing to pursue Him with genuine faith and sincerity, thus separating themselves from God.

From the very beginning, God established a covenantal relationship with His followers, specifically through their ancestor Abraham. This relationship emphasizes faith as its core principle. In Genesis, God makes a profound promise to Abraham, declaring that through him all nations will be blessed. This foundational principle was intended to guide the lives of all of Abraham’s descendants, shaping their understanding of their relationship with God. Sadly, over time, many of these descendants became entangled in a rigid system that prioritized strict adherence to religious laws and ritualistic practices over the essential relational aspects of genuine faith.

As they dedicated themselves meticulously to observing the Torah—following its extensive laws, rituals, and traditions with unwavering dedication—they often overlooked the profound and heartfelt relationship that God yearned to cultivate with them. This shift from authentic faith, characterized by trust and connection, to a rigid legalistic focus ultimately resulted in a growing rift that obscured the warmth and intimacy of God’s true intentions, which are founded in love, mercy, and grace.

In their fervent pursuit of strict obedience to the law, they unwittingly erected a formidable stumbling block: a mindset that clouded their spiritual vision and drew them further away from experiencing the transformative power of God’s presence in their lives. This barrier not only hindered their spiritual growth but also obstructed their comprehension of the fullness of His divine purpose for their existence—a purpose rooted in relationship, community, and grace.

This stumbling block was none other than Jesus, who entered the scene to confront and dismantle the prevailing legalistic mindset of the time. With both compassion and authority, He preached a radical message that challenged individuals to transcend mere rule-following and embrace a deep, transformative relationship with God. Jesus called upon them to release their grip on a works-based theology, urging them instead to embrace faith—an intimate believing loyalty anchored in trust, love, and deep devotion to God’s character and intentions.

By inviting all who would listen to partake in this faith-driven connection, Jesus sought to restore the intimacy that had been lost for so many. In doing so, He revealed the depths of God’s intentions for humanity: a life enriched by relationship, joy, and fulfillment found in His divine presence.

The Apostle Paul presents a compelling argument regarding the faith journey of the Gentiles: Why are so many Gentiles embracing faith while the Jewish people, who were initially chosen as God’s covenant people, seem to struggle with the concept of faith and the recognition of Jesus as their Messiah? This situation is both unexpected and perplexing. God originally chose the Jews to serve as priests to the nations, a role intended to represent Him and share His message of hope and salvation with others. However, throughout history, many Jews have misinterpreted God’s intentions, viewing Him primarily as a rule-giver and a distant judge. This interpretation has often led them to approach God from a distance, maintaining a religious caricature characterized more by obligation and ritual than by closeness and personal connection.

In a decisive shift, Jesus boldly challenged this paradigm by announcing to His disciples, “I no longer call you servants but friends.” This radical declaration carries profound significance: it suggests that, through grace, we are invited into sacred space, an intimate and personal friendship with God, one that transcends mere obligation or ritual. For many Jews of Jesus’ time, this concept was revolutionary and deeply unsettling. They were earnestly striving to achieve righteousness by adhering to the law and meticulously observing Jewish customs. Consequently, the idea of approaching God as a friend was foreign and, perhaps, offensive to their established beliefs and ways of worship. This striking juxtaposition emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus’ message and its transformative implications for both Jews and Gentiles alike, reshaping their understanding of faith and relationship with God.

What does the prophet Isaiah truly mean when he declares that only a remnant will be saved? And saved from what, exactly? To provide clarity on this profound truth, Isaiah references the catastrophic fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities serve as a chilling example of the devastating consequences that arise from rampant disbelief, moral degradation, and societal corruption. God is actively reaching out to all people, urging them to extricate themselves from the corrupting influences of the surrounding nations, which often lead to spiritual demise and disconnection from His purpose.

Consider the poignant moment when Abraham, with unwavering faith and a passionate heart, stood before God and implored Him not to destroy Sodom. He begged, “If there are even ten righteous individuals in the city, would You spare it?” This powerful exchange between God and Abraham reveals God’s deep desire for mercy and redemption. Rather than seeking destruction, God longs to save those who are genuinely willing to turn toward Him and seek His salvation.

What was the actual sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? Was it predominantly sexual immorality, or was it their outright refusal to heed Lot’s urgent call for repentance and acknowledge their rebellion against God? According to biblical teachings, “all manner of sin will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” In this context, God sent Lot to Sodom as a messenger, tasked with proclaiming His mercy and offering a path of salvation to the city’s inhabitants.

Despite Lot’s heartfelt warnings, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah plowed ahead in their immoral lifestyles, displaying a blatant disregard and defiance for any possibility of impending destruction. They not only ignored Lot’s pleas but were also resistant to the notion that a natural disaster could soon obliterate their city. Lot’s role was more than just a warning; it was meant to serve as a last-ditch effort to save the people of Sodom from their inevitable doom.

Tragically, their sins had created a spiritual blindness, preventing them from recognizing the severity of their situation and the consequences of their inaction. Their focus remained solely on their own desires and hedonistic pursuits, leading them to dismiss any suggestion of divine intervention or consequence until it was too late.

The Earth is inherently unpredictable, functioning as a complex, living entity that is profoundly influenced by human actions and decisions. In the biblical text of Leviticus 18:26-28, it is stated: “You must obey my statutes and my regulations and must not commit any of these abominations, both the native citizen and the resident foreigner among you. For the people who lived in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become unclean. Do not let the land vomit you out because you defile it, just as it has vomited out the nations that were before you.” Scripturally, there was a precedent for what was said; it wasn’t just a warning with no substance.

This passage underscores a vital truth: God seeks to protect us from the dire consequences of our own misguided behaviors, actions, or inactions. Issuing a stern warning against the pollution of the land we inhabit—both in a physical sense and in a spiritual context. His statutes and regulations provide a foundational moral framework that is intended to guide us toward a life of righteousness, integrity, and protection. However, adhering to these guidelines often becomes an arduous task, mainly when we rely solely on our own efforts, understanding, and limited perspectives.

The essence of these statutes are practical while at the same time deeply spiritual; they cannot be fully observed or fulfilled through human strength alone. It is in acknowledging our limitations and imperfections that we truly appreciate the significance of placing our trust in the Lord. By earnestly seeking His guidance and embracing His boundless mercy, we can navigate our lives with greater clarity, purpose, and resilience, especially during moments when we confront the limits of our own abilities.

This transformative process involves actively building a genuine friendship with God, cultivating a yearning to understand His heart, intentions, and the foundational truths He wishes to impart to us. Through prayer, reflection, and study of His word, we can gain insight into His desires for our lives and the world around us. Ultimately, the responsibility for how we choose to live our lives, the values we embody, and the lasting impact we have on our communities and the environment rests squarely in our hands, leaving a profound echo throughout the annals of time. We can be the friends of God while simultaneously being the actual manifestation of the sons of God on Earth.

Stephen Barnett