The whole point of slogans is to get a product stuck in your head. Chevy did that with the phrase, “Like a Rock.”
I’m sure Jesus loved Chevy trucks back in his day. He was always talking about solid rocks. In fact, in today’s Bible story we’ll see Jesus telling all of us that we need to drive Chevys…or something like that.
Here’s today’s word…
ROCK
My 7 year-old has an amazing ability. It’s a super power, really.
I can tell her to do something and she’ll turn right around and act as if I never said anything at all. I find it amusing that Jesus faces the same challenge with his followers.
Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great (Luke 6:46-49).
I guess the “in one ear out the other” condition is a part of human life. My kids do it to me. I do it to my wife. Jesus’ disciples do it to him. It’s easy to say, “Sure. Uh-huh. Okay.” and then never follow-up on it. It’s why management consultant W. Edwards Deming once famously said:
You can expect what you inspect.
Too many people don’t carry out instructions unless they are checked on. Jesus wants more than lip-service. Calling Jesus “Lord” isn’t the same as LIVING with Jesus as Lord. As he often does, Jesus uses a great analogy to make his point.
Hearing Jesus actually putting his words into practice is like a contractor who builds a home on a solid foundation. FloodWhen bad weather came, the house stood firm because of the foundation.
Hearing Jesus and NOT putting his words into practice is like a shady contractor who builds a house on a crummy foundation – sand. The bad weather comes and completely obliterates the home.
When I was a kid I learned this story in a song:
We’re going to have some reflection and response time. Think about the message and focus on the words of the songs.
Our first song is God Is Able. It declares the awesome wonder of God – the foundation and rock upon which we build our faith and lives. The song declares,
God is able, He will never fail – He is almighty God
Greater than all we seek, Greater than all we ask – He has done great thingsLifted up, He defeated the grave
Raised to life our God is able
In His name we overcome
For the Lord our God is able
Let’s worship…
Our second song this morning is Rock of Ages and declares:
There is no rock – there is no god like our God!
Let’s worship…
FOR REFLECTION:
– What is my life’s foundation built on?
– When the storms come do I crumble or stand strong?
MAKING IT REAL:
– This week, think about building your foundation. Jesus says building is about actually putting his words into action.
– List 3 things you can do to put Jesus’ words into practice this week.
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