DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

the solid rock

from WELS.net Daily Devotions 9/19/2021

“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.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29

The kind of followers Jesus wants are those in whom the Word lives and who live by the Word. They have their life focused on Christ, their attention on his words, confidence in his protection, hope in his promises, and joy in the relationship they have with their Savior. Absolutely nothing can destroy such a spiritual building of active and saving faith. Life problems can beat against that house of faith; persecution can pelt it mercilessly; death itself will rise up against it, but it will not fall because it is based solidly on the Rock—Jesus Christ.

Quite different is the result for the one who hears God’s Word but does not put what he hears into practice. He does not recognize his sinfulness and does not trust in Jesus as his Savior. He trusts another basis for salvation, one that puts confidence in his own ability and self-worth. In his case, Jesus says, “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” With such an imperfect footing, his life eventually comes crashing down. Without faith in Jesus, he is lost and condemned forever!

Jesus reveals himself in his Word to give us a firm foundation for our faith and absolute confidence for our salvation. Build your life on Jesus, the solid rock.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, open my heart to believe your Word and put it into practice in my life. Keep me safe from all onslaughts against my faith, and finally bring me home with you in heaven. Amen.

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