My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
Today is the 5th day of Holy week: Passover and The Last Supper. These events are recorded in Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38. I would encourage you to read about these events if you get the chance today.
—
Are you standing on Solid Rock, a Rock that will NEVER be shaken?
Take a moment to read these verses in Matthew, meditate, journal, and reflect.
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Matthew 7:24-27
This parable is part of the closing remarks Jesus gave during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Through this parable, He is calling his audience to decide what foundation they want to build their lives on. He draws a line between Himself and any other foundation for life. The rock is representative of Jesus, the sand is representative of the world, and the house is representative of our lives.
I can’t help but read “the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house,” and not think of the current state we are all living in right now. Doesn’t it feel like rain is falling, floods are rising, and the wind is beating you up? It may not be physically raining, flooding, or windy; but it may feel like anxiety, fear, and worries are raining down on your life right now.
What is your hope built on?
Picture this. You are planning to build your dream home and you’re so excited to pick a location. Your builders give you two options: a sandy hill (as is) or a slab of concrete. Of course, you would pick the concrete over the sandy hill, because who wouldn’t? Logically, you know the concrete will support the house much better than the sand will. This same concept applies to our life.
Jesus says it is wise to build your life on Him, (the solid rock) and it is foolish to build your life on anything of this world that is fleeting (the sand). It makes sense, right? Why would we want to build our lives, rest our hope, and place our trust in a foundation that is unstable? There is a much better place to stand: A Rock of certainty.
Listening to God, believing Him, and trusting Him with your life, is like building your house on a rock, not on sand.
John Piper wrote these words in his latest book titled Coronavirus and Christ,
“No man can comfort our souls in this pandemic the way God can. His comfort is unshakable. It is the comfort of a great, high Rock in the stormy sea. It comes from his word, the Bible.”
If you want to stand on solid ground during this pandemic and for the rest of your life, you will need to seek comfort that is only found in Him and in His Word—the Bible. It provides a peace that surpasses all understanding. It doesn’t mask pain or anxiety. It doesn’t distract you from the worries, but rather brings you to the One who is bigger than your worries.
The only reason we are able to build our hope on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, is because He walked this earth in flesh, yet was holy, righteous, and blameless. He took the punishment and wrath of God on Himself, so that we may have a relationship with God forever. Three days after his crucifixion, He resurrected, ascended and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. This is why we are able to build our hope on Jesus—the savior of our souls.
Reflection Question: The seemingly solid foundations are shaking. Do you have a Rock under your feet?
I would encourage you to take in, meditate on, and reflect on the words in the following Hymn. Google the lyrics and read the words…
Oh Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
Today’s Worship Song (Hymn): My Hope is Built
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVE-xXFDOwg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7el80wCuyU2ByLix3o7b78?si=-cSRVsjtTnGiih0Y04JJJw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/my-hope-is-built-the-solid-rock/1096230937?i=1096231311
I have loved receiving prayer requests from you. Please continue to send them my way! Also, if you have any questions about what you read today, or just want to chat, my email is: blrich1399@gmail.com
With Love,
Brooke
