The Man who built on the Rock…

When Jesus taught about who would enter the Kingdom of Heaven, He used the example of a wise and foolish man.  For many years, I had a wrong understanding of this example.  I somehow understood that the wise man had built his life on Jesus, the Rock, and the foolish man did not have Jesus in his life! 

If we read the above passage carefully, it clearly says in v24 and 26, that the one who obeyed the Word was the wise man who had built 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 and the foolish man had 'known' Jesus.  Both 'listened' to His words.  While one 'obeyed' His words, the other did not.  Verses 21-23 add color 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 practice Christ's teachings are called 'evil doers' (v 23).

Even the devil can quote scripture!  Knowing the scripture is one thing, but obeying it is an entirely different story!  The Bible says in Revelation 1:3 that those who read, hear, and keep the things written therein are blessed.  James tells us to be doers of the Word.  Not hearers only (James 1:22).  Paul wrote, "for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified" (Romans 2:13).  Moses said to the people, "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them" (Deuteronomy 5:1). 

The Bible is all about obeying what the Lord says! 

Looking back on the sayings of Jesus in this Sermon on the Mount, we can understand the areas where God expects our obedience!

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 the words of Jesus and obey what Jesus had taught us, ours will be the house that was built on sand!  Obedience to God's Word is the key to living!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me the importance of obeying Your words.  Please help me to obey You always.  Amen.