A short reading and prayers for today
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”
Matthew 7:24-25 NLT
The Sermon on the Mount closes with this powerful little parable about two houses. One built on rock and the other on sand. The point is that when the weather is fine they look identical. The only time you discover the difference between them is when disaster strikes. At that moment the stability of the foundations is revealed, and the house built on sand collapses. Jesus is plainly saying that the radical teaching of his sermon is the rock on which our lives need to be built. When we do so, we can look to the future with confidence because we know that, whatever might be thrown at us, we will still be standing secure.
So the key question is this – what do we need to do to build on the solid rock of Jesus’ teaching? We certainly need to read the Bible and to keep focused on its message but not with a view to answering examination questions! We need to read the Bible in order to receive God’s truth and to live in the light of it. Remember that the Sermon on the Mount constantly reminds us that it is our relationship with God which matters most. Flowing out of that relationship will be attitudes and actions which reveal that we have spent quality time with him. In order for this to happen we need to get into good rhythms of study, reflection and worship ensuring that we are constantly being nourished and strengthened. In this way we can be sure that we are building on rock and that we will still be standing whatever life throws at us.
QUESTION
In what way are you ensuring that your life is built on the solid rock of Jesus’ teaching?
PRAYERS
Lord God, thank you that you strengthen my life each day as I grow closer to you. Amen
Go before us, Lord, in all our doings, with your most gracious favour,
and further us with your continual help;
that in all our works begun, continued and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name,
and finally by your mercy attain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
in whom we live and move and have our being:
We humbly pray that your Holy Spirit may so guide and govern us
that in all the cares and occupations of our daily life,
we may never forget your presence
but may remember that we are always walking in your sight,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.