Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:24-25 (HCSB)
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.
Today’s Question: What is the most important part of your life?
Today’s Commentary:
What is the perfect ending to the Great Sermon delivered by Jesus? He offers a straight forward, no-nonsense challenge. The application to all He has previously instructed comes down to this question: Upon what foundation are you going to build your life. Jesus begins with the one who makes a wise choice.
Following Christ does not always make the most sense to us in the moment. Our decisions of obedience rarely make sense to the people around us. Remember, most people are choosing to follow the wide road that leads to hell. They could not imagine a different path, for theirs is filled with self-love and gratification of their own needs. Why would anyone give up pleasure in this life for the next? Can’t a person have both?
Building a house is hard work. Nothing could be more important than the foundation. The wise builder is adamant and deliberate about the footings that will undergird the structure. He does not cut corners, for the foundation is not the place to save time or money. Whatever it takes to have a solid base for which to build upon must be completed. It must be level, square, and immovable.
Building a life is infinitely more important than building a house. Throughout this Great Sermon, Jesus has placed before the audience a blueprint for a solid life foundation. Every person who heard or reads this Sermon is without excuse. For one to decide to build a life upon principles contrary to Jesus’ teachings is to deliberately build upon a foundation that will eventually fail. The wise builder counts the costs and decides to act upon the Truth that is God’s Word.
It is also important that we not be deceived by the outward appearance. In many ways the structure that sits upon a foundation may look the same from a distance. Two houses may sit side-by-side with the exact same architecture, siding, and roofing. Their interiors may be equally beautiful. When the weather is fair and no storm is in sight, the foolish builder, whose house has no foundation, looks to be wise. But do not be deceived, when the storms of life come (and storms will come), these two houses will look quite different.
A house that is built well with a solid foundation can withstand a storm. A house that is well built but lacks a foundation will crumble in the midst of even a brief, less severe storm. Become an observer of people and you will see a multitude of people whose lives have crumbled. They are depressed, angry, and desperate. When a house has no foundation, it has either crumbled or is soon to fall.
Here is where the grace of God comes in. Jesus is the Master Rebuilder. He restores lives by starting over with the foundation. In fact, the “new house” (or new life) that Jesus reveals is easily distinguishable from the old. It is not a renovation, but a complete reconstruction. By surrendering to the Lordship of Christ, one decides that his or her way is useless. At this moment, Jesus can take over as the Chief Engineer/Architect/Builder.
Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #57: Followers of Jesus continue to develop their biblical foundation by examining and putting into practice the teachings of Christ.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray that Christians would live in the Truth that Christ has given us through His Word.
Shepherding Well 