Matthew 7:24-29, Build Your House Upon the Rock

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Comments

James, the brother of Jesus said, “faith without works is dead.” We are to put Jesus’ word into action. Life’s hardships are represented by rain and wind. Jesus’ teaching is the rock helps us endure in spite of pain, suffering and loss in life.

When we read the teaching of Jesus in Matthew, like the crowds, we too can recognize his authority. In fact, we understand we are hearing the very words of God!

Prayer

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 236)