Saturday's Scripture Story
Parable of the Builder
Luke 6:46-49
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Pondering Point
This parable inspired the children's song known as The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock.
The wise man built
his house upon the rock (3x)
and the rains came tumbling down
The rains came down
and the floods came up (3x)
and the house on the rock stood firm.
Remember the song also brings up the foolish man who built his house upon the sand, begging the question:
What is your foundation built on?
Of course, the Rock in the story is the Word of Jesus Christ –
not just the words of Jesus Christ as in those that came from his mouth, but “the Word” who became flesh, Jesus Christ Himself. Build your house on Jesus and your life will stand firm in all storms, even serving as a haven for others in stormy weather also. As the hymn Built on the Rock says clearly (we sang it this past Sunday).
Built on the Rock the church shall stand
Even when steeples are falling.
Crumbled have spires in ev’ry land;
Bells still are chiming and calling.
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the souls distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.
And on this day of independence in which we celebrate the liberty and freedoms that the United States of America stands for, let your greater joy be over the freedom and liberty you have in Christ.
Prayer Prompt
O Jesus, we do indeed call you Lord, but we want to do so with all the respect, honor and sincerity that you deserve from us. Help us to build our lives on your Word and to take You at Your Word in all things. Let us live our lives solidly under Your will and grace, by Your Spirit’s guidance. Amen.