5 Building on Rock
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7: 24, 25 [NIV]
In closing his sermon, Jesus gives a short parable about two builders. Notice that there are only two places to build: on rock or on sand.
Are you building your life on a foundation of sand? It might look good, it is certainly easier than building on rock, but you will inevitably come unstuck. Life throws all sorts of things at us, and our faith will not stand if it has foundations that can be undermined.
But Jesus says, the wise thing is to build on rock. It may be much more costly in terms of time and effort, but it is well worth it. With lives built on the rock that is Jesus, we need not fear any crisis.
But let us notice who Jesus is addressing. It is people who have heard his teaching. Some people decide to put it into practice and some do not. Knowing the teaching of Jesus is all very well, but if we are to be saved, we must apply what we have heard.
How is your building going? Are you looking for the quick fix or for the deep foundations? Will a crisis undermine your faith, or will you be able to weather the storm because Jesus is your rock?
'If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God, it will make in the end no difference what you have chosen instead.' [Thomas More, 1478 - 1535]
Lord Jesus, take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine: Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Amen.
David Long | |
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