Arriving by boat at the welcoming shoreline of Kill Bear Park, my husband and I lowered our anchor and slipped gingerly into the shallow, cool water of Georgian Bay. Laughing as our feet wrestled with the shifting sand below, we slowly inched our way towards the dry ground, all the while precariously balancing our picnic baskets above our heads. It wasn’t until we climbed onto one of the highest and flattest slabs of granite that we felt secure enough to spread out our blanket and enjoy our mini-feast.
This landscape reminded us of the building choices from which the wise and foolish builders had to select in Jesus’ parable. While a beachfront home would be spectacular, one severe storm could destroy it.
“He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” (Luke 6:48 NIV)
As Christians, we know that life is full of trials. Jesus lived as our ultimate example. His teachings are a blueprint for how to live our lives. We both agreed that Christ is the Master Contractor. His foundation is built for eternity. Our discussion reminded me of the hymn by Edward Mote”
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
On Christ the Solid Rock by Edward Mote
All other ground is sinking sand.
Navigating the landmines of our society has become much more difficult for Christ-followers now than back when I was young and our school days started with the Lord’s Prayer. Morals and values have radically moved away from God’s standards. Almost every day, news items highlight the continual conflict between worldly ideals and God’s standards. Christian families are being challenged from all directions, even from one church to another. Jesus’ teachings have been watered down so as not to offend the masses. The joy that this verse once brought us seems to have faded.
My hope is built on nothing less
On Christ the Solid Rock by Edward Mote
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
As we left Kill Bear Park that day, our feet began to lose their grip as soon as we left the solid rock foundation. Like the foolish builder, I could hear Jesus’ warning:
“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 6:49 NIV)
Such foolish people profess to adore God and yet continue living their lives of sin. But Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15 NIV). Let us be sure to build our character on the rock-solid foundation of God’s Word. Otherwise, we will be swept away.
Jesus is the ultimate example of godly living. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV)
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father,
When darkness veils Your lovely face
On Christ the Solid Rock by Edward Mote
I’ll rest on Your unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Amen.
Copyright © 2022, by Lois Macdonald <loismacs5@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission