In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus Christ shares a parable about wise and foolish builders. He likens everyone who hears the gospel and puts it into practice to a wise man who built his house on solid rock. Through heavy rains, fierce floods, and strong winds, the house stands firm. But those
who hear the gospel and do not put it into practice he likens to a foolish man who built his house on sand. When the rains came, the house collapsed to the ground.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)
1 Corinthians 3:13
Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.
In the passage, Jesus is teaching us that just like buildings, it is important for His children to have firm foundations. At present, the world is in shaky times. Nations are facing diseases, natural
disasters, and deepening economic gloom. But those who have a firm foundation will overcome these troubles. And our firm foundation is Jesus Christ.
Right now, there are three groups of people in God’s church, categorized into how they are responding to the current global crisis.
- In the first group are people who attended church for the wrong reasons. Their relationship with God was superficial, and rather than being drawn to God’s house to hear His Word, they saw it as a place of entertainment. Now they’re finding out that their shallow relationship with God cannot see them through these difficult times.
- There are also those who have fallen by the wayside during this period. They used to attend church regularly and constantly heard the Word of God. But like the man who built his house on sand, they did not put into practice what they heard. They’re like the seed that fell among thorns, as described in Matthew 13. The thorns are the enemy and his cohorts. Because they’re not firmly rooted in Christ, the devil chokes them with lies and deceit and leads them astray. This group has lost faith and now wallows under uncertainty and despair.
- Then there are people whose lives are firmly grounded in Jesus Christ. They’re like the builder whose house is on a rock or like the seed that fell on good soil, grew tall, and reproduced. This group put the Word of God into practice and it bore fruit in their lives. They aren’t shaken during uncertain times.
Is the Lord Your Foundation?
Is He your stability? Those whose foundation is Jesus are those who can boldly face their Goliaths because they’re armed with great faith. These are the people that are strong enough to face the last days. Job’s hope and trust in God was unparalleled. He said in Job 13:15, Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” That’s how much God wants His
children to trust in Him.
The fire test
Like the parable of the wise and foolish builders, we will all be tested in life. We will be hit with heavy rains, floods, strong winds, and even fire. These tests can come in the form of illnesses, losing one’s source of income, marital issues, and others. 1 Corinthians 3:13 tells us, “their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
Only houses built on strong foundations will pass the tests. This means that only those whose foundations are in Christ will overcome. Ands 1 Corinthians 3:14 reveals, everyone who passes the
test will be rewarded in this life and in God’s heavenly kingdom.
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