There were times at work when we needed an absolutely accurate measurement of an internal jet engine part in order to determine if the part was serviceable and/or repairable or if it must be scrapped and destroyed.  If the inspector was unable to determine the serviceability of the part with the normal shop measuring devices, then he would, as we would say, “send it to the rock”.  There was a special room within the machine shop kept at a constant temperature and humidity.  The room was extremely clean and almost sterile.  Within the room were several granite inspection surface plates of various sizes.  They had a guaranteed flatness within a specified tolerance of 0.000075” (or somewhere close to this).

Last week, we visited the Duesenberg, Cord, and Auburn Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.  One of the exhibits was their “rock”.  A large polished set of rock tiles laid perfectly flat so they could measure and ensure the setup for a pre-production car was accurate and up to their standards.  In the world of manufacturing, precision is paramount.  Bluntly, we want the product to perform the work for which it was designed.

There are times when we are faced with very difficult decisions.  Sometimes our general knowledge is enough to help us make the correct choice, especially on those things which may not have a real right or wrong answer.  For example, should we go to Waffle House or Cracker Barrel?  However, there are times, when we seek a truthful answer concerning the rightness or wrongness of an issue.  We come to the proverbial “fork in the road”. 

Our Father wants us to make correct decisions.  Remember what Isaiah wrote in his book chapter 30:21:  “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

That voice will come when we “take it to the rock”.  Luke recorded in Acts 17 a description of the Berean Jews: “…were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Be of noble character by praying often and rely on the Scriptures to give wise answers.  GOD wants us to make wise decisions and will help us to do so.

“TAKE IT TO THE ROCK”