June 22nd
“Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49 NIV
Jesus was direct in his Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49) which parallels the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). He put his finger on a common tendency people have in declaring him as their “Lord,” while living their lives as though he were not. We can use this sermon to evaluate the foundation of our spiritual life and make changes as necessary.
Jesus illustrated that the foundation we should build on is one built on the word of God. When we study and apply God’s word to our lives, its like digging a deep foundation and laying cement and rebar. God’s truth and our obedience to it will form a sturdy base for us to operate from, no matter what storms of life come our way.
It’s not a question of if you will experience the torrents in your life, but when. The best way to get prepared is to daily invest time in studying the Bible. Consider this lyric from an old hymn: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!” Remembering this will help us in our walk of faith.
Questions for further thought:
What does it mean to make Jesus Lord of our lives?
How are Jesus’ words different from other people’s words? (John 6:63)
How does building on a foundation of truth help us get and stay spiritually healthy and free? (John 8:31-32)
Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, Thank you for giving me your precious words of life. I call you my ‘Lord’ and I intend to make you Lord of every area of my life. Please forgive me for any sins I have tolerated in my life and cleanse me from them by your blood. Please open my understanding to the scriptures and teach me how they apply to me. Thank you, Jesus! In your name I pray, Amen.”