The Man who built on the Rock……

Jesus gave the example of a wise man and a foolish man when He taught about who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 7:21-27). Very commonly we hear this story being interpreted differently. The wise man is supposed to be the one who built his life on Jesus, the Rock and the foolish man was the one who did not have Jesus in his life.

If we read the above passage carefully, it very clearly says in v24,26, “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……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”.

Both the wise man and the foolish man had ‘known’ Jesus. Both ‘listened’ to His words. While one ‘obeyed’ His words the other one ‘disobeyed’ it. Verses 21-23 add colour to this picture. The one who ‘disobeyed’ might have even prophesied or driven out demons or performed many miracles. Those who hear the words of life but do not put the teachings of Christ into practice, are called, ‘evil doers’ (v 23).

Even the devil can quote scripture! Knowing the scripture is one thing but doing what it says is completely a different story!

Now we have 24-hour religious channels continuously broadcasting different speakers. Some believe if their homes are filled with programs from such channels, they will be blessed! The Bible clearly says, "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”. (v21)

My friend, let us not be misled. We may be doing great ministry and the people around us may be praising us. But if we do not put into practice or obey what Jesus had taught us, ours will be the house that was built on sand!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 4th May 2017 Share:

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