August 27th - Matthew 7:24–25

Matthew 7:24–25 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” The Sermon on the Mount closes with this powerful little parable about two houses. One built on rock and the other on sand. The point is that when the weather is fine they look identical. The only time you discover the difference between them is when disaster strikes. At that moment the quality of the foundations is revealed, and the house built on sand collapses. Jesus was saying that the radical teaching of his sermon is the rock on which our lives need to be built. When we do so, we can look to the future with confidence because we know that, whatever might be thrown at us, we will still be standing secure. So the key question is this – what do we need to do to build on the solid rock of Jesus’ teaching? We certainly need to read the Bible and to keep focused on its message in order to receive God’s truth and live in the light of it. Remember that the Sermon on the Mount constantly reminds us that it is our relationship with God that matters most. Flowing out of that relationship will be attitudes and actions that reveal that we have spent quality time with him. In order for this to happen we need to get into good rhythms of study, reflection and worship to ensure that we are constantly being nourished and strengthened. In this way we can be sure that we are building on rock and that we will still be standing whatever life throws at us. Question In what way are you ensuring that your life is built on the solid rock of Jesus’ teaching? Prayer Lord God, thank you that you are strengthening my life each day as I grow closer to you. Amen