Lessons from Matthew 7: Rock of Salvation
In the previous lesson, we discussed what Jesus said about false teachers, those who talk as if they know Him but in truth do not, and how to identify them.
But for those who hear Jesus’s words and act upon them, He said these are wise men/women who have built their house or their lives on the rock, the rock of salvation, Jesus Christ! And when the storms of life come in, the winds of tribulation and the storms of trials that come and beat upon their lives, they will not fall.
No, after the winds die down and the storm subsides these will still be found standing because their faith is not in themselves or the things of this world. Their faith is placed firmly in Jesus Christ and the promises of His kingdom, where He is glorified.
Those who hear God’s words and fail to follow through with them are foolish men. They build their lives on that which is temporary–money, prestige, power, people, etc. When the storms of life come their way, they falter and they fall.
Like a sandcastle that remains until the wind blows or the waters rise, these people will come crashing down along with all their treasures.
To listen to God’s Word and fail to follow His instructions sets one up for disaster!
Without Jesus there is no relief. There may be temporary relief but there will come a day, a final day, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. But on that great and final day it will be too late. The choice will have been made, the decision final, and the destiny determined!
Jesus Christ is the true foundation and He is precious to those who believe in Him.
On whom or what have you built your foundation?
No foundation will stand except for the foundation of Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone, the capstone, and to build your life on anything else is foolishness! Those who reject Him and His message stumble over Him and fall.
Have you entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If so, will you continue to build upon His firm foundation by obeying His words and fulfilling His purpose in your life?
And as soon as Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching because He taught as one who had authority. His were and are the words of God, upon which every word is built. Unlike the teachers of the Law who only exercised authority, Jesus was and is the final authority!
Is your choice to follow Jesus and His authority and to live in heaven for eternity, or to follow the ways and men of this world and live in hell?
Because the choice is yours and your destiny lies in the road you choose to follow. The gate is still open and the invitation is still going out, though for how long no one knows except the Father. So won’t you step in and see that all have been invited but few will choose to enter in?
Who needs to hear these words from you this week as a message of truth from Jesus?
Might we still be about our Father’s business of inviting others in before it’s too late and the final judgment is here! Until then, let us love and live as Jesus did.
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach