5 Easter, Year A
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Sermon by Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
“God our Rock, Refuge,
and Fortress”
In Psalm 31 today, the psalmist, most likely during
a time of trouble, danger or suffering, appeals to God in prayer with the
following words: “Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.”
Jesus in today’s gospel speaks of his Father’s house, where there are many
dwelling places. And in our second lesson, Jesus himself is spoken of as: a
living, cornerstone, chosen and precious, who has become the very head of the
corner; and all Christians as living stones being built into a spiritual house.
In biblical times, it was quite common to speak of God as a rock, a refuge, and
a fortress. And in Psalm 118:22, as well as in Isaiah 8:13-14 and 28:16; the
words stone and rock are symbolic references to both Israel and God. The early
Christian writers of coarse read these passages differently, by interpreting
them as symbols referring to Christ and the church.
In biblical times, and hopefully even in our day,
these images of God as a rock, a refuge, and a fortress were, and still are, a
source of comfort to many faithful people. Rocks or stones were widely utilized
during biblical times. They were used by the Israelites to build altars,
artistic monuments and statues, cities, homes and various other buildings,
including the temple. Large rocks could also be places of protection and shade
from the merciless heat or high winds. Of coarse the image of a rock, because
of its physical and chemical properties, can also symbolize strength, power,
protection, permanence, endurance, stability and security—all of which are
characteristics that can be positive and comforting for us.
When the psalmist speaks of God as a rock then, it
is a reference to God’s power and strength; God’s enduring faithfulness and
reliability. The psalmist could count on; could trust in the LORD. A rock is
solid and stable and stands up under pressure and all kinds of
conditions—better than many other materials. In the ups and downs, during the
changing ebbs and flows of life, which bring instability and unpredictable
outcomes; God is there as our solid source of stability, comfort and
strength.
The psalmist also describes God as a refuge. When
we think of God as our refuge, several things may come to mind. A refuge often
is a place where others accept one unconditionally. It reflects an attitude of
openness towards others; people are welcomed and offered hospitality. A refuge
is a place of protection from danger and harm, it feels like a safe place where
one is encouraged to be one’s self. A refuge can also be a place of retreat,
healing and renewal, a quiet and holy place to relax and reflect. A refuge is
rooted in compassion and deeper understanding of others.
Today Canada is a very desirable place of refuge
for many different peoples from all over the world. It is a nation full of
promise and hope for hundreds, thousands, even millions of people. A lot of our
ancestors immigrated here as refugees and, by-and-large, have prospered and
flourished in this land. Internationally, we have the reputation of being an
open, welcoming, safe and peaceful, multicultural, democratic nation. Yet, in
response to the terrorist activities in the United States last year; a growing
number of Canadian citizens and politicians are becoming more cautious and less
willing to accept an open door immigration policy. On the other hand, as people
of faith, who follow Jesus, who himself was a refugee; how can we turn our
backs, our hearts, and our compassion away from an alarming number of genuine
refugees from all over the world? Are
the world’s refugees not the very voice of Christ himself crying out to us for
help? If we were in a situation like them; for example, a situation of
political and economic upheaval or civil war, or religious persecution; would
we too not cry out to other countries to help us and even want to consider the
possibility of starting a new life in another safe country as refugees?
Once we, like the psalmist realise that God has
been our refuge; hopefully we, in grateful response can offer refuge to
others. For God has unconditionally accepted us; God has welcomed
us with open arms and forgiven us; God has protected us from danger and
harm; God has been a healing renewing power and presence in our lives; God
has had immeasurable compassion on us; God certainly understands us better
than we do ourselves. For all of this and more, we can attest to others the
truth of God our refuge because the power and influence of love is stronger
than that of fear. The psalmist knew this well and therefore was able to
confidently place his entire life into God’s care in all of his circumstances.
The psalmist then goes on to speak of God as a
strong fortress. In the history of God’s people, “the fortress mentality”
has, unfortunately, proven to be a rather negative, off-putting influence. In
the name of spiritual truth and righteousness, the fortress mentality has led
people to be very exclusive and hence hurtful of others who are different and
don’t meet their standards. It has at times given legitimacy to an unhealthy
withdrawal from the world—viewing the world as evil and to be avoided at all
costs. It has dehumanised people by a narrow-mindedness and hard-heartedness
that ghettoizes certain classes, genders, ages, races, religions and even
nations; which only causes injustice, misunderstandings based on suspicions,
which turn into hatreds and thus escalate into violence. The poisonous fruits
of the fortress mentality have, unfortunately, all too often been born out in
history.
However, there is a positive, more hopeful side of
the symbol of a strong fortress. God as a fortress, similar to God as a rock,
refers to God’s strength, protection from enemies, from violence and hatred. It
symbolises God’s stability, security, peace and prosperity. That is likely why
ancient Israel built Jerusalem, the holy city like a fortress with walls
surrounding it and walls even surrounding the temple, so that the Israelites
could live in safety and security and enjoy peace and prosperity.
My wife once met a man who had ancestors in
Romania. The fellow told of how his people would build their walls around the
churches so that everyone could go into them; remaining safe inside from the
attacks of the Turks and other enemies. They would store enough food, drink and
other necessities to outlast the enemy’s assault. Indeed, we also speak of our
churches as holy sanctuaries—places of protection, hopefully places of peace,
safety and security for everyone. It is most alarming that, especially in
Europe today, Jewish synagogues are no longer sanctuaries for the Jewish people
there. Antisemitic attacks in Europe, fuelled by Islamic extremists, have
increased to the highest levels since the Second World War. As Christians who
have inherited much from our Jewish roots—including Jesus himself who was a
Jew—surely it is crucial that we do everything within our means to stop this
antisemitic hatred by ensuring that the Jewish people, wherever they are, can
live in peace and security with their neighbours.
In light of this all, is it not even
more appropriate for us as a people of faith to follow our psalmist’s example?
The psalmist, while facing physical illness, threatening violence, political
conspiracies and other forms of hardships ultimately trusted in the LORD for
protection, strength, guidance, security and every other resource. The psalmist
reminds us that our lives, our times are in God’s hand. If that is true for
us also, then does it really matter what our situation is? Is God not present;
is God not protecting us; is God not providing us with strength, grace and
every other resource necessary for us—even in the face of our most scary and
dangerous circumstances? If we really believe that God is, then does it not
follow that we, like the psalmist, are able to live confident lives, taking
risks for the sake of freedom and truth; for the rule of God’s peace and love
in the minds, hearts and lives of all peoples?
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