Psalms 1:1-6; Matthew 7:24-25
At the beginning of any building project is a dream of what the final building will look like. This dream is then put down on paper and final blue print is given. The dimensions are carefully considered so as to deliver a building that will be a joy to use.
The foundation will be laid out with utmost care to ensure that the building remains unshakable. In areas prone to destruction by natural calamities such as hurricanes and earthquakes, extra care is taken. Using modern technology, buildings can withstand even earthquakes measuring lower on the Richter scale.
Building Our Lives on the Rock of Salvation requires utmost care and consideration of how we are doing it. Jesus Christ remains the sure foundation for salvation. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:10). Therefore, there is no other knowledge or human philosophy that one can purport to have built his/her life that surpasses the foundation of salvation in Jesus Christ. The choice of building material thereafter is a personal choice that the Christian believer must make. It is important to choose good and strong material that can last and withstand the storms of life.
Of the two builders that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7:24-27, the second one built his house on a sandy foundation. When the storms came, his house could not stand the tempest. While we are not told of what material he used to put up the rest of the house, it is only meaningful to use sturdy material over a well laid foundation. For ‘if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).
Jesus used this analogy of the wise and foolish builder to illustrate how the Christian life borne out of his teaching would either hold or not hold together. He had made a long sermon that spans from Matthew chapter five to seven. He had taught the listeners about many things concerning the life of a believer. He averred that the choice to whether or not follow his teaching would be equated to these two builders. The same is true for the Christian believer today. One’s choice of material would determine whether or not the house will stand.
The apostle Paul adds an interesting twist to this building narrative when he notes that the construction material chosen will be tested with fire. ‘If the house that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's house is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire’ (1 Corinthaians 3:14-15). It will be important to note that the building material one chooses can either be purified by the fire or destroyed in the fire. At the end of it all there may be a building to be admired or one to be frowned upon, or, no building at all.
While the analogy used here is one of foundations and buildings, what Christ is after is fruitfulness in the life of a believer. Will the faithful have borne good fruit to the joy of their Master? As we long for the return of Christ, it will be pleasing to the Master to see his followers display good fruit. While it is may be quite the task to eventually stand before him on the Day, there is hope that Christ’s followers can live a full and fruitful life to the glory of the Master. The sure way to remain fruitful is by seeking the LORD in his word and prayer. For “blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers (Psalm 1:1-3).
As we come to the close of the month, it is important to review and ask yourself:
- How have I identified with Jesus Christ the Rock of Salvation?
- What manner of house (Christian life) am I building?
- Will Christ find fruitfulness in my life upon his return?
Have a blessed Sunday. Amen
