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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.Matt 7:24-25
The traditional approach to this passage is to emphasise the importance of firm foundations. Don’t build your life upon the shifting sands of uncertainty, instead make strong foundations by making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, which will underpin your life and strengthen you when storms come.
But the story also works at a practical level. Climate change, flood, storm, fire and earthquake mean people are at risk from very real and dangerous weather situations and natural disasters. Their houses could very literally fall flat.
The foundations we seek to build are made not just of faith and prayer but are also strengthened by practical action which makes hope a reality for those who long for shelter and a place to call home. It is the practical outworking of the love of Jesus in the world.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.James 2:26
Based on notes by Mandy Briggs for Fresh from the Word Bible reading notes.