When I was a young Christian, we used to sing a lot of fun songs composed for a youthful audience. Many of those simple songs helped to lay a firm foundation in many of our lives.
One song in particular, “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” based on Jesus’ sermon from Matthew 7 included hand motions to show rains, flood levels, standing firm, and the falling flat of the house. The essence of the sermon came down to this: rock or sand – what is the foundation of your life? When you face trials in life, will you stand firm or fall flat?
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man
The wise man built his house
Upon the Rock
And the rains came tumbling down
The rains came down
And the floods came up
But the house on the Rock stood firm
The Savior’s directive from Matthew 7 was this: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock, but everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”
When Jesus refers to, “these words of mine,” he is guiding us to trust in the holy written word of God found in the Bible. According to his word, he is our Rock and Salvation sent by the Father to rescue us from our sinfulness and to sanctify and protect us in this life. His word also teaches us that all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
My Rock and My Salvation
(How Firm A Foundation)
As the song says: “How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent word.” HIs foundation is a sure rescue from the eternal consequences of sin, but also the promise of good footing in this life.
His word overcomes our fears, strengthens us to stand in trials, reminds us we are upheld by His omnipotent hand. He swims with us in the depths of troubles, prevents the overflow of sorrow, protects us from major burns in fiery trials, and purges away our sinfulness through sanctification.
He will not, he will not, ever desert us to our enemies or allow us to be shaken and forsaken. What he does is what he has always done for every saint that has trusted in him; give us a greater love for his word day by day until he returns.
May this following video remind us to build on the Rock and not the sand.