A House Built 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 rains 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

All morning I had the song, “How Firm a Foundation” in my head and this verse came to mind! Isn’t it amazing how one little thing can put a song in your heart!

I had gone upstairs to put something away, and I saw the garage the boys had built out of Zenga wooden blocks the last time they were here. I knew it would be awhile before they returned, so I put them away. It  was a sweet reminder of all the many times we have built towers, buildings, and parking lots. I smiled as I remembered how they all usually toppled down before we got them completed – especially if we were building on a rug or carpet – because there wasn’t a firm foundation, and we would have to start over and over again! What fun we have had doing so, and how proud they were when we finally finished!

Jesus had such a special way of teaching simple lessons through his many parables, and this one from Matthew 7 is about “The Wise and Foolish Builders” who had a choice as to what type of “house” they would build. After giving a long, teaching session on many different topics, Jesus then gave those present 2 options – to listen to Him and be like the wise builder who built his house on rock, or to fail to heed His message and be like the foolish builder who built his on sand.

In this analogy, Jesus helps us to see the 2 things the wise builder does. He hears Jesus’s words and then he does what Jesus asks of Him. He builds his house on a firm foundation and he is ready for what will come. The foolish builder, on the other hand, also heard Jesus, but he failed to do what was required of Him. His foundation was weak, and when the storms came, his house was not strong enough to endure them.

Our “houses” – our faith, our spiritual lives – need a strong foundation. If we choose not to do the things that are required of us in living a life dedicated to God through our love, faithfulness to His Word, and service, it is as if our “houses” are built on sand. We won’t have the strong, trusting relationship with Him that we need.

Just as in the parable, for many years all may be well, but one day, the storms will come, with all their pain and despair. And when they do, if our relationship with God is not what it should be, then we will have nothing on which to stand, and our faith will falter.

Our faith needs a strong foundation! Then we will have the assurance of knowing that we are in His loving care. We will feel His presence and His strength. He will be our Rock and our refuge in times of trouble and despair. 

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your lessons on life found in your Word and how we should live to be pleasing in your sight. Help us to build strong foundations of faith and devotion to you and be worthy of your love and grace. Amen