Except the Lord builds the house they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord watch over the city. The watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears My Words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears My Words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49
A house is only as good as the foundation upon which it is built. A nation is only as strong as the foundation upon which it is built. In this parable Jesus used the construction of a house to describe our lives apart from Him. Just as the physical structure of a house must have a firm foundation, so must our spiritual houses.
Jesus gave a very vivid example of two houses, one built on a firm foundation, the other built on sand. We all know that sand does not, a good foundation make. Jesus calls that builder foolish. Why? Because no matter how good it looks on the outside the foundation is not secure. Ever heard or used the expression “ I never saw that coming?” That’s a life that looks like it has everything going for it, a nation that looks like it has it all together then in a moment everything falls apart. A seemingly perfect marriage, a seemingly very successful career, a seemingly very secure confident woman/man, a seemingly successful business, a seemingly very nice family, want me to keep going? “SEEMINGLY!” God is not into keeping up appearances. We look on the outward appearances, God looks at the heart.
Now let’s examine what Jesus was speaking of. The wise builder has built his house on a firm foundation. Jesus calls that foundation the rock. Who is known as The Rock of our salvation? Jesus! The Word that became flesh. So if our foundation or life is built on Him; if a nation is built on Him, all the elements He describes that may come against us, will not destroy us. We will weather every storm because we have been built securely on Him. The seemingly’s will become possibilities and possibilities will become realities. Anything built on Jesus Christ will last, this includes but is not limited to your life, but to the nations of the world.
The house built on sand refers to those who have built on a faulty foundation. A life based on their efforts, intelligence, money, prestige, self confidence and good works. This builder is not interested in Christ the Rock. They’ve figured life out, they’ve done good so far. They live however they choose and answer to no one. They’re too smart for God. Jesus says, “that house or life ends with a great crash!” Nothing built on a faulty foundation -which is our human efforts- will last. Building anything without Jesus is like being all dressed up but going nowhere. Looks good, but look closely. It’s built with straw. Remember the story of the “Three Little Pigs?” I believe they borrowed that concept from the wise and foolish builder in the Bible😊 they each built homes to protect themselves from the big bad wolf. One built with straw, the other with sticks and the third with bricks. Why am I telling you the story? You know it!🤦♀️ but if you don’t, I’m sure you can google it.
So how do you build the life that Jesus says lasts? You hear God’s Word and obey it. James 1:22-25 “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.”
Two houses are before you. The One is Jesus The Rock our firm foundation. The other, is the one you built on the sand of your self will and self interest. So if you’re wondering why things may seem to be going well then, CRASH! Wondering why you’re restless, dissatisfied with your life? Always fearful, keeping your fingers crossed? No peace, fake joy, fake smile, fake life, fake relationships, fake house, fake family, fake career, FAKE! Check your foundation before your house washes away. There’s still time to move. The enemy of our souls knows fakers, just ask the sons of Sceva. Acts 19:11-16 Stop being a fake Christian! Jesus our firm foundation offers us a better way. Build on Him.
Father in the Name of Jesus my Rock and sure foundation; I humbly approach your Throne. Thank you for being my safe place in the storms of life. I admit that the foundation I’ve laid for myself is unstable. Thank you for Your Word that shows me how to build my life on The Solid Rock, Jesus Christ Your Son. I don’t want to fake it anymore. I run to you my hiding place, my Shelter in the times of storm. Amen🙏
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand! All other ground is sinking sand.🎼
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit.
W. Tennant