The Cleft

Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee...

The words to this age old hymn inspire courage for all who make it their own. I remember as a child hiding my face in between two pillows. Since I couldn't see anyone, I assumed no one could see me either. There was something very comforting to being snuggled inside the warmth of the pillows especially on a cold day like the one we had in Lexington today.

The lectionary Psalm is Psalm 27 verse 1 and verses 4-9. This Psalm talks about God being our light and salvation and fortress. It asks the questions, "why should I be afraid" and "why should I tremble." The passage goes onto draw out the picture of God coming to us for conversation and for relationship.

It is easy in the struggles of this world to forget that we serve a personal God. One who, in the person of Jesus, came to earth so he can fully identify with all the troubles this world has for us. Jesus shows us what perfect community looks like and how perfect love can be transformational. Christ left behind instructions to a group of believers to carry out his ministry around the globe. The church is that legacy. The church, which is the people and not buildings or programs, is the instrument God chose to show love and mercy and to convey his message of salvation. Is it perfect? No. Is it effect? At times. Is it still relevant? Absolutely, because the Holy Spirit works among the people.

If you are looking to find some comfort from the world's problems, I invite you to the cleft of God's grace that is the church. A place where you can be enfolded for a little while to gain strength and courage to face whatever life throws at you. And if you are part of that body of believers known as the church, I encourage you to see yourself as the cleft providing a respite from the rain for weary travelers and pointing the way to the One who can help. There is no higher calling. There is no more satisfying purpose.


1. 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.

2. Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the 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.

4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.