“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 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. 49 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
In our house we have two different foundations. The first part of the house was built upon a cement slab and it is sturdy, solid and immovable. The second part of the house is an addition which is similar to peer and beam but its what they call “I.C.F” or insulated concrete form. The walls of the foundation are cement but the floors are made of beams of wood.
In the winter, this portion of the house is cool to the touch. The house remains insulated but I can’t help but feel that sometimes the wooden beams under my feet have shifted slightly over the years. The cement slab, on the other hand, might one day have a few cracks but as a whole it hasn’t moved an inch since it was poured.
In this passage, Jesus is talking about foundations of a sort — foundation of faith. The firm foundation is formed when we obey the words of Jesus, doing what he says, and we find ourselves well grounded in all we do. Those who hear the words of Jesus, yet do not obey, are like those who build “a house on the ground without a foundation.” When the floods come, the storms hit, the earth shakes, the house “collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
I have had times when I have been living on a rocky foundation, steeped in sin, disobedient in my words and deeds. Yet those times have always culminated in moments of turning, changing, repenting and surrendering. These weak foundations are untenable. They are unstable and unsustainable. They do not provide happiness, health or hope.
But the foundation that is built upon a rock is solid. It’s when I am walking with the Lord, to the best of my ability, clinging to his Words, asking him to mend and mold my heart. When we call Jesus, “Lord, Lord” we are to do what he says and put his words into practice. When the storm his this firm foundation of faith, nothing shakes it because it was built upon the promises of God.
The good news it at any point in our disobedience, we might turn and confess, run to the Lord and stand firm upon his foundation of faith. Why not try this now? Lean into the Lord, listen to his word, fall into his love. Allow him to fill you with his hope and peace so that when the storms come you might stand firm because your hope is in the one who brought you life today and life eternal.
“O Lord, I place my faith in you. I trust in your word. I hope in your promises. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your grace and mercy. Help me know that your way is best. I praise you for your kindness and your unending love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.