Friday 4th October
Read Matthew 7:24-27
“‘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. 25 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. 26 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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.’” (NIVUK)
Jesus brings His sermon to a conclusion with a resounding crash of thunder and destruction! This passage has been described in terms of the houses, one built on rock and one built on sand, but given what has been taught before there is likely not much difference between these houses. From the outside they likely look identical, shiny and well-built.
The story is actually about two builders. One who built on a solid foundation by obeying the words of Jesus (and puts them into practice… v24), and one who remains disobedient and foolishly refuses to ‘put them into practice’. Obedience is the non-negotiable entry point to the kingdom. We are not saved by our obedience, but it is the evidence we are in fact saved.
What is required is the wisdom to follow Jesus closely, meditate on His words and put them into practice. It comes as no surprise then that the imagery Jesus uses in this last metaphor draws richly upon Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and it picks up the warnings of the prophets of old to prepare for the coming storm (cf Isaiah 8:5-17 for an awesome example!).
How does one prepare? By obeying the words of the Lord and bowing reverently in submission before Him. Building on the right foundation and finding hope and security.
