WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS

Hi! loving brothers and sisters,


Grace and peace to you.


I thank God for being able to share with you the article below.


Matthew 7 : 24 - 27

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”


Luke 6 : 47- 49

47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.[h] 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.[i] And the ruin of that house was great.”


In the book of Matthew, the ones who obey God are described as the wise builders who build their houses on a rock ( strong foundation ) whereas the ones who do otherwise are described as the foolish builders who build their houses on sand ( no foundation).


While in the book of Luke, the ones who obey God are described as the wise builders who build their houses with a foundation whereas the ones who are not are building their houses without foundation. Naturally both of them are drawing our attention on wise and foolish behaviors.


Whereas both flood and storm used are metaphorical to suggest either trial or judgement. Therefore, the theme of the message is discussing the concept of obedience. How can we apply to our Christian walk? This Mighty and Loving God give us a choice either to choose Him as the foundation of our lives or alternatively reject Him. I am sad to say that there is no mid way.


To build a strong foundation, we require constant and lasting efforts to ensure that the construction of the foundation in itself is sturdy. God not only calls us to trust Him wholeheartedly with our minds and souls, but also build intimate relationship with Him, thus forming an unshakeable foundation. This have been demonstrated in both Moses' and Jesus' life, It is also portrayed by Luke by saying that the wise builder not only erects on a rock but also digs sufficiently deep to find this rock. This analogy is to draw our attention that we must constantly seek God as the foundation of our lives. Only then we can expand our efforts to understand His Word diligently, establish intimate relationship with Him and draws His grace, exactly like Jesus, to obey God perfectly. Without drawing God's grace, there is no way we can effect His will perfectly. That's what advocated by Apostle Paul, if the law can make us perfect, then Christ died in the cross is in vain.


If there is any different interpretation in any part directly; indirectly; expressly or impliedly, I pray to God that He reveal the truth to us. In Jesus' wonderful name, I pray. Amen.


James Oh