ODJ: firm foundations

May 22, 2014 

READ: Matthew 7:24-29 

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock (v.24).

From the window of my office in Singapore, I observed that a plot of land was being excavated to make way for a new building. But for many months the building project didn’t seem to make much progress, despite a flurry of activity.

Apparently the engineers weren’t too happy with the foundation. So they employed various techniques over a lengthy period of time to ensure that it was firm. And, lo and behold, once the foundation was established, the building project went into ‘overdrive’. Within 2 weeks it was already two stories high.

Jesus used the parable of the foolish and wise builders to conclude His Sermon on the Mount. It speaks of the importance of our life’s foundation—something, regrettably, that is often out of sight and out of mind.

So how can we be like the wise man who built his house on the rock? Jesus gives us two key imperatives: “[Listen] to my teaching” and “[follow] it” (Matthew 7:24).

What are some ways we can hear the Word? Here are some ideas: attend church services, join a small group, personally read and study the Bible, listen to audio sermons in the car. Then we need to do what it says. This means responding to what we hear by allowing God’s Word to change our thinking and shape our behaviours.


Life will always make demands on our time and energy that cry out for immediate attention. Taking time to hear God’s Word and do what it says, by comparison, doesn’t shout quite so loudly when neglected.

Let’s be deliberate in taking the time to hear and obey God’s Word, for the wise person builds a life on biblical truth. —Poh Fang Chia



Isaiah 6:1-13 ‹365-day plan

MORE
Read Luke 10:38-42 and notice why Jesus commended Mary. 
NEXT
What can you do to make sure you’re hearing and applying God’s Word? How does it affect you when you’re regularly studying it?  
1 reply

Comments are closed.