Romans 9:33 (ESV)
As it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of
stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever
believes in him will not be put to shame.”
The tower of Bidouane, an important defense system of St.
Malo, France, was built in the second half of the 15th century. What is unique
about the location of the town of St. Malo is the numerous rocks protruding
from the surrounding sea, especially in its North East corner, between Fort
National and the town itself.
Towards the end of 1693, a fleet of thirty Anglo-Dutch
ships appeared on the horizon. Their purpose was to conquer the famous town of
St-Malo, and to do so, they brought with them a ship that contained a diabolic
machine that would break down the city walls. For two years it had been
designed and constructed under the orders of Prince William of Orange. The ship
was truly a monster, weighing 300 tons and measuring 84 feet in length. It was
well defended with its 23 canons. Its sails were ominous black, and its sides
were filled with powder, bombs and shrapnel. Just the sight of the monster
filled anyone with fear.
This same ship, with the 29 other ships in the
Anglo-Dutch fleet, was now approaching St. Malo. The idea was for the other
ships to bomb Fort National, while this special ship would move in to destroy
the walls of St. Malo. But a turbulent wind from the west suddenly accosted the
ship, causing it to run aground on the rocks between Fort National and St.
Malo. It exploded, thanks to its own crew (They were determined to take over
St. Malo!), but it did not impact the city at all, as it was way too far from
the city's walls, and seeing what was happening, the other 29 ships in the
fleet turned and fled.
During all of this, the inhabitants of St. Malo simply
enjoyed their evening meal. They knew that the rocks surrounded the city were
their best defense. That diabolic ship filled with gun powder would have no
effect on that city at all.
Why fear if we rely on the real Rock?
Dear Lord, thanks for being the rock. Help us rely on You
in everything that comes our way. In
Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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