Matthew 7:24-29 "Therefore"

Read Matthew 7:24-29.


"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." NIV

Finally, we are at the "therefore" of this teaching. Here is the culmination of everything Jesus has been saying in this "Sermon on the Mount" that began with the Beatitudes. The conclusion that wraps it all up and sums up what all these teachings will produce -- a firm foundation.

What is that foundation? The Rock, Jesus Christ. We begin with Him and we end with Him. Our surrender to His authority, humility in all circumstances, trust in His direction, living out His example towards others, our responsibility to share Him with those we walk this earth with, devotion to Him and only Him, personal surrender of selfish desires for His will...these are all the foundation of living the Christian life. Faith and works walking hand-in-hand to His honor and glory. If I do not choose to live this life, my foundation will crumble to destruction.

The Jews of this time were accustomed to hearing rabbis following the teachings of a particular, former rabbi. But now, here was a Rabbi with a new teaching -- one never heard before. And His authority grabbed their hearts.

We have "teachings" bombarding us from all directions. And most of them appeal to our satisfaction for sensual desires and personal gain. But will we follow the true Rabbi and His radical teachings of humility, surrender, selflessness, and love? It is a question of building our lives on sand that will slip away or on the Rock that will last forever. Only the spiritually blind would fail to see the truth. Dear God, open their eyes.

Further Thoughts:

1. God was very specific about how the Temple was to be built. He never does anything haphazardly. Read about the specifications He gave the people to build His house in 1 Kings 6:1-38.
2. According to Dictionary.com, "cornerstone" is a stone representing the nominal starting place in the construction of a monumental building, usually carved with the date and laid with appropriate ceremonies. Jesus was referred to as the cornerstone in Isaiah 28:16 and Zechariah 10:4. What is the correlation between the two and what does that mean for how our lives are constructed? (Read Ephesians 2:19-22 and related post and 1 Peter 2:4-12.)
3. Are there certain "teachings" that are trying to drive you away from the Truth? Examine them against the Scriptures, seek counsel from someone you trust to have spiritual wisdom (You'll know them by their fruit.) and pray that God will open your eyes to the truth of what you are hearing. A foundation compromised by falsehood will struggle to stand and probably eventually fall. The enemy is working hard toward that end. Fight him with the Truth that will endure.