Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 9
For a builder, the rock is valuable. It can provide the strong base on which his building can stand. He can depend upon the rock; but he certainly could not depend upon sand as the base of his building (Matthew 7:24-27). For that reason, the Bible often compares God to a rock (for example, Psalm 18:2). God provides the strength and security that his people need for their lives. They can depend on him; in other words, they should trust him.
However, a builder cannot benefit from the strength of the rock if he refuses to depend upon it. In fact, the rock’s strength can then be a cause of pain and trouble to him. It is so easy to fall upon the rock, especially in bad weather. That is what Isaiah 8:14 describes. People who refuse to trust in God are in great danger, especially during severe troubles.
In the same way, a strong, large stone gives strength to a building. The builders of Jerusalem used magnificent stones (Mark 13:1). In 1 Peter 2:4-8, Peter compares Christ to such a stone. Like Peter, Paul here repeats some words from Isaiah 28:16.
Many people refuse to trust Christ (Psalm 118:22; John 1:10-11); they consider him only to be a cause of trouble. However, God has chosen to give Christ the place of greatest honour (Psalm 110:1; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:2-4). Therefore, all people should trust Christ. He offers to help them in their troubles (Psalm 91:15) and to give them strength in their weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God will not disappoint the person who trusts Christ.
Next part: Paul's prayer for the salvation of Israel (Romans 10:1)
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