Solid Rock

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
Luke 6:46–49
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Solid Rock
We too often praise God with one breath and, in the next, curse our fellow man. We are quick to point out the speck in our neighbor’s eye while ignoring the log in ours. In one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, He demonstrates the futility of merely paying lip service to God’s Word. In the end, the house of the foolish builder cannot withstand life’s storms. In contrast, life’s torments are often defining moments for those who faithfully follow Christ, for they reveal the unshakable strength of a faith rightly placed in Him.  Jesus authoritatively teaches about the ethic of God’s kingdom. Unfortunately, His teachings are so radically demanding and countercultural that even the most dedicated believers fail to live up to them. It is good news indeed, then, that Jesus does not merely command long-suffering, forgiveness, and love of enemies. He Himself puts them into practice, lovingly bearing with us and forgiving us! Going so far as to die on the cross for us. His life, death, and resurrection are the solid rock on which our faith is built. May our Lord Jesus, lead us to know the blessings of a life that reflects His divine qualities of compassion, forbearance, and forgiveness.