During a recent hurricane along the eastern seaboard of the United States, certain trees withstood the fierce storm, while others were uprooted. Many evergreens succumbed to the raging winds, but most sycamores were left standing. Why? Because the sycamore puts strong roots deep into the ground, while evergreens usually have shallower roots. The deep-rooted foundation gave the sycamore its strength and stability.
The sycamore confronted violent winds, heavy, driving rain, and soaked ground. Yet it stood. What enables the Church of Christ, Scientist, to withstand destructive attacks? Isn't it rooting deep in Christ, Truth?
Christ Jesus built his church on this unchanging foundation of Truth, which he compared to a rock. Significantly, before Jesus spoke of church, he established his own spiritual identity, thereby lifting himself, as well as his church, above the claims of personal sense. When he asked his disciples whom they believed him to be, Simon Peter replied, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus commended Peter for his spiritual discernment of Christ, Truth, declaring that the Father had revealed the Christ to him and adding, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."See Matt. 16:13-18.
