The Rock: An original story by Ohio writer Gary Flory

The Rock

An original story by Ohio writer Gary Flory

Peter owned a few acres on County Road 7, which ran through the countryside. Two acres were woods, with an active stream running through it, and the other four were mostly yard, with a small garden close to the road. His wife had passed away a couple of years ago of cancer, leaving him to take care of everything. Their only son was in the service, stationed in Germany. Peter wasn’t one to ask for help, but the storm that came through last week, took its toll. There were trees down, some roof damage, and a washed out culvert. 

Peter had just finished lunch and was out in the garden doing some weeding when he noticed a man walking down the road. Peter was looking for an excuse to take a break, so he spoke to the man, as he came by. “Looks like you could use a good cold drink of water.” The man stopped, and looked over at Peter and said, “I think I’ll take you up on that.” 

So Peter waved him over to the hand pump, and handed him a small tin cup, while pumping the handle. As the water started to come up, the man started to put the cup under the spigot, when Peter said, “Hold on. Let me pump the water out of the pipe first, so you can have a good cold cup of water.”

After a few more pumps, he said, “There, that should do it, get yourself a cup full.” When the cup was full, Peter pointed to a big shade tree, with a couple of chairs under it. Got time to chat a little bit? He looked at his wrist, like he was checking the time, then nodded that he could. They both went over and sat down.

For the first minute they just stared across the road looking at the garden and enjoying the summer breeze. As Peter looked over at the man, he said, “You look familiar, do I know you?” 

“Yes you do, your mom introduced me to you when you were a boy.” Peter thought, well, this guy must have been a boy too, because we appear to be about the same age. “I’m sorry, I forgot your name.”

“Well, some call me the Rock.” The man was in pretty good shape, must be a nickname, Peter thought. “So, where are you headed?”

“Just going to meet some people,” was the reply. 

“We had a storm go through a while back, and it really put me behind. Sure could use some extra help to get caught up. I couldn’t afford to pay much, but I could give you room and board.”

The man smiled, and with his piercing brown eyes, he looked at Peter and said, “I would be glad to help you.”

The next morning, Peter started to fix breakfast, but heard a chopping noise outside. The man was already splitting the wood that Peter had sawed the day before. When the hot cakes, bacon, and coffee were ready, Peter stepped out. “Hey Rock, breakfast is ready.” 

When they sat down, Peter was ready to take a big bite of pancakes, when the man said, “Aren’t you going to pray first?” 

“Oh yea, I kinda got out of the habit since my wife passed away.” 

Later that week, between the two of them working long days, the extra work was just about caught up. That evening the man said, “Will, I guess tomorrow I’ll be on my way.” Peter was being extra quiet, then he asked the man a question. “Rock, I can’t remember, did we play together?” 

“Oh, not really, we never met in person.”

“But you said mom introduced you to me.” 

“She did, from a picture on the wall.” 

“I kinda remember that, she said you were her best friend.”

“That’s right.”

“But you look like you did in the picture 40 years ago.”

“That’s also true.” 

“But I remember mom calling you Jesus.” 

“Yes, she did. Remember Peter, when you used to sit on your mom’s lap, and she would read you Bible stories?” 

“I do, those were wonderful times.” 

“When’s the last time you sat down and read the Bible? Or, when was the last time you were in My house? You know Peter, when I look back, I see the boy Peter, who was excited to go to Sunday School, but I haven’t seen you for a while.” 

Peter felt tears running down his face, he knew the Rock was right.

“Peter, do you remember the story about the good Shepherd? When he left the 99 that were safe, and went looking for the one sheep that was lost?”

“Yes I do.” 

“Well, Peter, you’re the one. I know the world has knocked you around, but I found you, and I’m carrying you back. I gave you all of this Peter, your wife, your son, your farm.”

 

Peter got down on his knees before the Lord and cried. The tears flowed out like a running river until there was a puddle of water at Jesus’ feet. Peter remembered his mom telling him, make Jesus your best friend too, and he promised her he would. He grew up knowing the way of the world, more than he knew the way to heaven. Jesus put His hand on Peter’s shoulder, and said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” 

As Peter looked up, through his tear-filled eyes, he said, “From now on, my heart is yours, shape me and mold me to your will.” He saw both forgiveness and love in the eyes of Jesus. The body of Jesus started to shine so brightly that Peter had to look away. When he looked back, Jesus was gone.

Peter meant what he said. That next Sunday morning he sat in the second row from the front. He even became an usher and helped count the money after the service. If it didn’t meet the $200 mark that they needed, he would make up the difference. 

That Sunday night, he sat down to read from his mom’s Bible, like he did every night now, and found a slip of paper between the last page and the cover. It was his mom’s handwriting. It read, Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. 

The next day Peter went into town, and bought a small picture frame, went home and put the letter inside, hung it up on the kitchen wall so he could read it every day. He also had the stone company deliver a huge boulder in his front yard. On it, he wrote in big white letters, THE ROCK.

Only a few people know the story behind the rock. Now, you’re one of them.

About the Author

Gary Flory resides in southeastern Ohio with his wife Cathye. He is a Sunday School Teacher and friend to all.

Do you know Jesus? Find resources at your local church or go to peacewithgod.net for more information.