Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Ecclesiastes 3:5

There is “a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together.”

We who live in this part of the world are well acquainted with rock fences. They are made of stones that are cleared from fields in order for gardens and crops to be planted; and they were made by strong backs and the sweat of the brow. Those old rock fortresses are still found all over these hills.

This morning’s text speaks of a time to cast away stones. Jesus once told a parable about scattering seed on rocky ground. Seed would quickly begin to grow on it, but then, because of the rocks, the plant would wither just as fast. When that happens the only solution is to cast the stones out of the field. That field is our heart, and if we are going to produce good things in this life, we will need to cast away a few stone ourselves.

What stones are in our heart that stands in the way of who we could be? They can be a lot of things, like unkind words, an unforgiving spirit, and jealously. Maybe it is addictions to things that are destroying our body, mind and soul. Some of these are much larger than we can move by ourselves. Our strong Savior is ever ready to help us. He who can cast a mountain into the sea, or roll a stone away from the grave; He can surely help us clear a stony heart.

“I will take away your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” None of us need hard hearts that stand in the way of the Gospel. Only those who have no sin are allowed to cast stones at sinners; so we all might as well stop throwing them at each other; and cast them into a pile outside our lives. Then when others ask, “What do these stones mean?” We can tell what our God can do; how he can give us a new heart, and a new life.

“Lord, hear a burdened sinner mourn,
Who gladly would to thee return;
Thy tender; mercies, O impart,
And take away this stony heart.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray