This post is from Pastor Paul:
In the Gospels, Jesus challenges us about the foundation we are building on, and whether it is firm and secure. If we only hear His words and don’t act on them, we are effectively building a house ‘without a foundation’.
Luke 6:46-49: Building on a Solid Foundation
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Matthew 7:24-27: Building on a Solid Foundation
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 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. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
I noticed a couple of guys playing a game of ‘Jenga’ during Association on Sunday and as pieces of wood were carefully removed from the ‘Jenga Tower’, the ‘Tower’ became more unsteady and eventually the removal of one small piece of wood brought the whole construction crashing to the ground.
It started me thinking that we are all in a similar situation at the moment – life seems very unsure and unsteady. One ‘virus’ has almost brought the whole world to a standstill and it’s very strange. Life is very different and will be for some time to come for all of us. Our world, like the game of Jenga, has come crashing down around us and we are struggling to cope.
In the Bible passages above, Jesus is reiterating to His followers that the only sure foundation is Him; building in Him and building on His words. In our world of uncertainty, He is our Certainty, our rock-solid foundation; our anchor. He is the Cornerstone of our Faith, the firm foundation that will not give way under pressure. In these uncertain and ever-changing days, keep building in and on Him, our sure foundation.
Closing Prayer:Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are the chief builder, the cornerstone of our lives. We praise you for everything that you have built and continue to build in our lives and communities. In these testing times, we ask you to give us strength to face each new day. For those struggling with illness and isolation, we pray for them; for those struggling to cope with a change of lifestyle, we pray for patience; for those having to make decisions that affect each of us, give them wisdom; and for those in the Health Service and other Emergency Services, give them the strength they need to continue to serve. Help us to be willing to serve others as You serve us and to dig a deeper relationship with you. Amen.