SAND AND ROCK: THE ONLY DIFFERENCE
There’s only one difference between sand and rock. That difference? O-b-e-d-i-e-n-c-e.
For the sake of all the geologists squinting right now, I mean this in a spiritual sense; in the sense that Jesus meant it in Matthew 7:24-27 when he said,
“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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Do you see it? The only difference in the two houses—the one on sand and the one on rock—is the phrase “put them into practice.” Both were constructed. Both looked stable initially. Both experienced storms. But only one lasted. Endured. Survived. Only one had a foundation able to withstand the tests and trials that are inevitable to everyone. In this story, putting the words of Jesus into practice proved to be a valuable building material.
Specifically, the phrase “putting them into practice” has, as its antecedent, Christ’s words. The anticipation felt by the phrase is summed up in the single synonym obedience. And the phrase is analogous to a foundation. In other words, obeying what Jesus says is the key to building a lasting life.
Think about it. Not knowing. Not learning. Not hearing. Not intentions. But obeying. Doing. “Putting them into practice.” Following through. That’s the only true and real difference between sand and rock.
Sobering, isn’t it? Actually carrying out what Jesus has commanded is the central action that constitutes the foundation of your life. Suddenly obedience seems ultra-important, doesn’t it? It should. Without it, a “great crash” is just on the other side of the next storm.
As you meditate on this, consider selecting one of Jesus’ words to obey today. If you’re like me, probably many of his expectations are running through your mind right now, many that you know you should be doing but simply aren’t. Amid that conviction, rejoice in God’s gracious patience and pick one you’ll do today. In doing so, you’ll be laying the first brick of a new foundation for your life, a foundation guaranteed to last through the next spiritual Derecho that comes your way.
Pastor Todd