Build Your House On The Rock

March 17, 2020

No one expected that hand washing and toilet paper memes would become so popular. My family has 12 rolls left and somehow I think we’ll still be okay. The anxious, fearful response by many to hoard supplies during a time of crisis reveals a lot about our human nature. There’s no shame in being prepared. I would hope those with an abundance would share with those in need around them. For followers of Jesus, that is our way.

Jesus taught us a thing or two about how to prepare for a crisis. At the end of his famous Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, Jesus shared a parable about two house builders and a storm. One house was built upon rock and the other upon sand. According to his parable, it’s not a matter of “IF” the storm comes but “WHEN” the storm comes. The storms will come, and they can come in a variety of ways. Will we be prepared or will we be knocked out? According to Jesus, there is something we can do to prepare. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

During this time of Covid-19, staying home and washing hands, what does life look like on the rock? We have heard Jesus’ teachings. Now what does it look like for us to put them into practice?

1. VALUE RELATIONSHIPS: Try spending quality time with your siblings, parents and non-sick friends. Brainstorm new activities or hobbies you can do at home instead of binge watching your favorite shows all day on Netflix, Twitch or Youtube. One or two shows a day is okay. Just not all day.
2. SELFLESS ACTS OF KINDNESS: Help your parents with chores around the house. Call your grandparents and checkin, especially since they are likely not allowing visitors. Share some of your toilet paper and other supplies with neighbors in need 🙂
3. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD: If we were to imagine something good that can come out of Covid-19, I imagine the most significant benefit is how our schedules have cleared up and created more room for us to spend time with God. I dare not say God caused this issue. I believe all tragedies are the result of our broken world perpetuated by our sin. On the flip side, God does have a history of bringing good things out of terrible circumstances. I hope during this time you are able to spend more time in prayer and personal bible study. If you need a good place to start, give us a call or text, we are here for you!

Stand firm on the rock!

Pastor Chris

Matthew 7:24-27

²⁴ “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. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”