The Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-29

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.

Reflection: Jesus finishes up his sermon, he teaches the disciples, and by application us, these words. He summarizes two types of reactions or responses to His teaching. One person hears and puts into practice what Jesus is saying. The other person hears the words, but goes on with life usual without any changes in their lives. Jesus ends with a metaphor to bring home the importance of not only hearing but doing. He says the person who hears but does not put into practice Jesus' words, is like a man who built his house on the sand. When the rain came down that house sustained a great collapse.

This reminds us that people can live lives without obeying Jesus' word and maybe have success for a while, but there will come a day when their foundation is revealed. It could be some catastrophic event in this life that reveals this tenous foundation. Or, it could be the day Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead.

On the flip-side the person who takes Jesus as His word, and shows this trust through obedience has built a foundation that can withstand any storm. While in the short run this person's life might be a little simpler, in the long run it lasted. And there is an eternal quality to this work because it is built on the life and teachings of the One who was, who is, and who is to come.

As you survey your life what are you building your life on? Where is Jesus calling you to hear His words and put them into practice. Not only will you be blessed (happy!) in this life but your house will be secure forever. That is the kind of insurance I would want to have especially since it is coming from the One who created it all!

Jesus help us not only to hear your words but also put them into practice. Make us wise as we trust in You today for every decision we make. Amen.

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