“They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Luke 6: 48,49 [NIV]
We are very familiar with the parable of the Wise and Foolish men building their houses on rock and sand, from Matthew and this shorter version in Luke.
How often we choose the easy option, we build on sand, run after the exciting self-gratifying “quick wins”, the latest fad or feeling, rather than giving time and effort to the things that might require more challenge and commitment. But finding that solid rock, that sure footing on which to build is essential if we are to build a strong structure to our lives.
As for the Rock, the Bible is littered with references ...
"Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock”
Isaiah 26:4 [NIV]
"Ascribe greatness to our God the rock, His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.”
Deuteronomy 32: 3,4 [NIV]
When Jesus was asked what the most important thing was, he replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22: 37 [NIV].
This apparently simple summary takes us back to our plans. The expression means every part of your being, your emotion your thought; your very life force, should be directed to loving God. If everything we do and say, feel and think is so grounded in love for God, then we have a solid foundation.
Father - help us to build our lives on you, the rock, to Love you the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind.
Guy Mowbray
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