Jesus said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

John Chrysostom was a church father who was known for his eloquence, his commitment to a simple lifestyle, and his success at repelling demons.

But he was also known for his wisdom. In a collection of his writings called “On Living Simply,” he shared something of his own perspective on life based on Christ as our Rock. 

Today, I simply share it with you because in a world of fear, panic and finger-pointing, it is a reminder that Christ our Rock will always be our victorious champion.

“The sea is surging and the waves are high: but we have nothing to fear because we stand on a rock—the rock of faith. Let the sea surge with all the power at its command, and let the waves rise as high as mountains; the rock on which we stand will remain firm and unshaken. 

“Do I fear death? No, because on the rock of faith I know that death is the gateway to eternal life. 
 
“Do I fear exile? No, because on the rock of faith I know that I am never alone; Christ is always beside me, my friend and my brother. 

“Do I fear slander and lies? No, because on the rock of faith I know that I am always protected by the truth—Christ, who is the truth, is my protector. 
 
“Do I fear poverty? No, because on the rock of faith God also provides for my needs. 
 
“Do I fear ridicule? No, because however low I may sink in the esteem of those without faith, on the rock of faith all are treated with respect.

“Far from fearing the surge of the sea, I enjoy it, because it assures me that the rock on which I stand is immovable.*

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Notes:

-John Chrysostom, On Living Simply, comp. Robert Van de Weyer (Liguoir, Triumph Books, 1996), 83
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.