It's often hard times which cause people to evaluate their lives and help to re-align perspective. Jesus told a parable about two men who both built houses which were exposed to a fierce storm. One built his house upon the rock, and the other built his home upon the sand. They chief difference between the two was the foundation they chose to build on. The aftermath of the storm provided evidence who built wisely: the house on the sand was completely destroyed, and the house on the rock endured.
Jesus told this parable to illustrate the difference between those who hear His words and those who actually put them into practice. The one who heeded the words of Christ and obeyed them was compared to the man who built his house on the rock, a solid foundation. Today it dawned on me that it required a storm to reveal which foundation was worthy. When weather was fair all seemed well, even when the foundation was not trustworthy. God allows Christians to face strong storms as a testimony to the world of His sufficiency, not only for this life but for eternity. Those who are observant will recognise a circumstance which overwhelmed one person with fear and worry was unable to rattle the one who placed their faith in Jesus.
As important as mementos and pictures are, they pale in comparison to the value of life. If the flood waters were rising, no sane parent would choose to save photos over their only child. The living child is infinitely more important then pictures printed on paper. God created man and breathed into Him a living soul, and saving souls from destruction was the primary purpose Jesus has come to earth. He alone has the words of life, and only through Him can we come to God in faith and receive salvation. Peter spoke concerning a man miraculously healed in Acts 4:10-12, "...let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Are you facing a storm, believer? If your life is founded on Christ through faith demonstrated by obedience, you will be divinely helped to stand firm as a testimony to others of the saving power of God. In the aftermath you can know your foundation is one founded in wisdom which will endure. It's amazing how God can use something like a storm to prove He is worthy of trust for eternity. And if the trial sweeps you off your feet, thank God He has revealed the insufficiency of your foundation while there is still hope of change. Instead of lamenting the loss of false security, in Christ we only gain.
Jesus told this parable to illustrate the difference between those who hear His words and those who actually put them into practice. The one who heeded the words of Christ and obeyed them was compared to the man who built his house on the rock, a solid foundation. Today it dawned on me that it required a storm to reveal which foundation was worthy. When weather was fair all seemed well, even when the foundation was not trustworthy. God allows Christians to face strong storms as a testimony to the world of His sufficiency, not only for this life but for eternity. Those who are observant will recognise a circumstance which overwhelmed one person with fear and worry was unable to rattle the one who placed their faith in Jesus.
As important as mementos and pictures are, they pale in comparison to the value of life. If the flood waters were rising, no sane parent would choose to save photos over their only child. The living child is infinitely more important then pictures printed on paper. God created man and breathed into Him a living soul, and saving souls from destruction was the primary purpose Jesus has come to earth. He alone has the words of life, and only through Him can we come to God in faith and receive salvation. Peter spoke concerning a man miraculously healed in Acts 4:10-12, "...let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Are you facing a storm, believer? If your life is founded on Christ through faith demonstrated by obedience, you will be divinely helped to stand firm as a testimony to others of the saving power of God. In the aftermath you can know your foundation is one founded in wisdom which will endure. It's amazing how God can use something like a storm to prove He is worthy of trust for eternity. And if the trial sweeps you off your feet, thank God He has revealed the insufficiency of your foundation while there is still hope of change. Instead of lamenting the loss of false security, in Christ we only gain.
No comments:
Post a Comment
To uphold the integrity of this site, no comments with links for advertising will be posted. No ads here! :)