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
Every builder understands that the foundation of any building is the most important part of the building. It must be able to support the structure that will be built upon it. The foundation must be strong enough to support however many floors are constructed upon it, and at the same time, must withstand any floods or winds that may buffet the building. There are few things stronger than rock, which is why in the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus says wise is the builder who builds his house upon rock, and foolish is the builder who builds upon sand.
As you reflect on your life so far, how would you rate your foundation? Have you built your faith on solid rock, or is it teetering on shifting sand? As the storms of life swirl around you, what do other see in you? Are you composed and steady or frantic and jittery? Do those that know you best marvel at the majesty of your God, or have they been co-opted into your circle of fear and uncertainty? Does your audience see a faith established in the person of Jesus, or it is established on religious activities and knowledge of doctrine alone which quickly unravel at the mere appearance of trouble?
Matthew says, “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice,” is wise. First, we must hear: we must be listening intently, to hear God. Amid the noise and chaos of our modern lives, we must distinguish the voice of God and allow that voice alone to lead and guide us. Secondly, we must put his word into practice; this is a difficult but very necessary part of our faith. As James reminds us, “faith without works is dead (James 2:20).” It is not only dead but foolish.
But every building project must have an architect, in our case, that architect is God himself. As the Psalmist confesses, “The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock-I take refuge in him! -he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety (Psalm 18:2). May this same God be your rock and your foundation, your shield, your salvation’s strength and your place of safety, now and forever.
Majestic God, you are everything to me. You are my fortress and my foundation, therefore, I will not fear the rain, or the winds, or anything else in heaven or on earth, because my faith is hidden in you. Be glorified in my life Oh God, be glorified in my testimony both now and forever more. On Christ, the solid rock I stand. Amen.