Author: Valerie Reiman
Reading: Matthew 7:24-29 NIV
““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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”
As a daughter born into a construction family, I have dealt with my fair share of foundations. There were times when we were pouring concrete, and there was too much rock in the final product, it broke apart. Other times there was too much water and it never got firm enough. It is only when the correct amount of water, concrete, sand and rock are combined, that a firm foundation is achieved.
In this parable, Jesus is talking about how when we hear his words and put them into practice, they’re building that firm foundation that we can stand on. No matter what comes in our lives, sickness (ours or a loved one’s), living in a place you desperately want to be out of, losing someone we loved, being challenged by others because of our faith, etc., our foundation in Christ is solid because our firm foundation has been achieved! Unlike if our foundation is built on our own successes or self-esteem, money or possessions, or even our relationships with family and friends, no matter how great they seem at the time, they create a foundation that is unable to stand up to the challenges of life, aka the rain, rising streams, and incredible wind. Just like my concrete that was too wet or too rocky, when we build our foundation the wrong way, it can’t withstand the challenges life brings!
Challenge: Take some time to evaluate what are the things that you “stand on.” Is it your own abilities or someone else’s, money in your possessions, your relationships with family and friends, or is it something else? Are you putting your trust in earthly things or in Jesus? The good news is you can always strengthen your foundation by diving into the Bible and following what Jesus called us to do!
Prayer
Heavenly father, You give us so many freedoms in our life. We get to choose what we do, how we live, and what we rely on. I pray, Lord, that you will open our eyes to where our foundation is really built, and guide us in ways to strengthen our foundation in you! You are an amazing God! We thank you for your grace and love, and for Jesus who came, guide us through his words, and was willing to die for us! Let us remember that all the time! Amen.