Randy and I escaped the confines of our home and property to take a drive through small towns last week. We avoided crowds and big highways. (The pandemic certainly changes the way we go about our lives these days, right?) As we drove slowly through small towns, that insist on a 25 per hour speed limit with multiple stops, we took time to marvel at each towns’ old buildings, especially the courthouses. Wow! When you look closely you notice the intricate planning and work that went into these beautiful buildings. Built during the late 1800’s, these structures were built to last and still catch the eye. They are still used as functioning places of government.
The planners and builders were wise and inventive, creative and innovative for their time. Today’s tools for construction were not available at that time so we imagine the brawn and muscle of many that it took to raise this structure! Yes, it was built to last, one brick and stone at time, on a strong foundation. These buildings also have a cornerstone of importance that aligns the building. It will always be inscribed with the date it was completed. They are always in the center of town and rise above all other buildings. When directions are given in small towns, most residents begin with, “Begin at the courthouse, then go…”
Jesus tells us a construction story that aligns with what we learn about courthouse building. Begin with a firm foundation. Build on what will stand forever. Don’t build on shifting sands that will eventually bring your structure down to debris. Build on what will last. Anyone who hears with understanding and does what Jesus says will have a faith that lasts in all kinds of weather.
Matthew 7, NIV
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “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.”28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
WHAT WE LEARN…
The crowds were amazed at his teaching. He told stories that were relevant, words they could understand, with a heart, mind and soul of authority that came directly from God, His Father.
HOLY PAUSE
Are we amazed at the teachings of Jesus?
Are we so in love with Jesus that we put into practice what He is still saying to us today?
God’s Word never changes and will stand forever. Faith in Him is our strong foundation with Jesus as our cornerstone that aligns the rest of our being.
Believe. Be amazed each day. Marvel at God’s love and goodness and watch how He never stops working! Be amazed in humble gratitude for Jesus’ saving grace. Listen to His Holy Spirit as He continues the construction work of our souls, getting us ready for life forever with God. No, He isn’t finished with us, yet. The date is not inscribed on our cornerstone until we meet Jesus face to face in all His glory.
Build a faith that lasts. Build on the Solid Rock.
Yes, a song bursts into my thoughts…it’s playing in the background of my mind. Sing it with me in praise to God,
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand…
All other ground is sinking sand…
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
And I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
And all other ground is sinking sand
And all other ground is sinking sand
When darkness seems to hide His faceI rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
And all other ground is sinking sand, yeah
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my Hope and Stay
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
And all other ground is sinking sand
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
And all other ground is sinking sand…
Dear Lord,You never give up on me or anyone else who really believes that what we believe is really real. Thank you for the continued construction of my life being built on faith in You. You do all the work. You are God and I am not. I pray humbly and allow the intricate work of your Holy Spirit to build your character in me. Thank you, Lord, for a faith that lasts.
In Jesus Name, By His power working in me, for His glory, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 