Rock Language

The word “bergmal” in the Icelandic language can be translated as “rock language” in English, but it means what we call an “echo.” This piece of information came from the website “Mental Floss” which I was browsing for the fun of it. The phrase “rock language” triggered images from the Bible of trees and mountains rejoicing: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 50:12) and “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, (psalm 98:8)

The jubilation is so great that only the voices of nature can capture the joy of a people who belong to God. In the “Chronicles of Narnia”, C.S. Lewis’ seven novel collection of stories of the mystical land of Narnia, trees and rivers and animals and imaginary characters raise their voices and speak of the wonders of Aslan, their Savior: “Have you ever stood at the edge of a great wood on a high ridge when a wild southwester broke over it in full fury on an autumn evening? Imagine that sound. And then imagine that wood. . . was rushing at you; and was no longer trees but huge people; yet still like trees…” (Prince Caspian, Chapter 14).

For Christians the goodness of nature, its beauty , variety, renewal and fullness of life, are forever reminders of Christ’s resurrection: “See, the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” (Song of Songs2:11-12). The splendors of nature, coupled with the imagination of human beings, produces awe and praise for the Creator of life itself.

The Icelanders’ language gave a voice to rocks, as God gave a voice to The rock at the tomb. It was sealed and marked by Rome before it was rolled away to expose an empty tomb. Its language echoes still in the world as we probe the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection during Lent, in preparation for Easter, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–His power and Divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”(Romans 1:20)

The secret of knowing the rock’s language is knowing nature’s creator, a knowledge He loves to impart, and His Son loves to share, It echoes today, and it’s ours for the asking.

Love in Him,

Prue