The two builders

The two builders. Read Matt. 7:24-27; Lk.6:47-49. A friend of mine built his house on a sandy place close to a river. But he was wise enough to put a strong foundation. Otherwise the district council would not approve his plans.

The wise builder in our story has chosen to build upon a rock. Thus, he would not worry about torrential rain, flood and the battering winds that would beat against his house. In contrast, the foolish builder built his house upon a sand, perhaps near a river for easy access to the water. Everything was wonderful. But then, due to climate changes and weather changes, the sky gathered so much clouds, the rain descended, the strong winds blew- as a result the house came down with a great crash. It seems to me like what is happening in the Philippines, almost every year. Some buildings and builders are not following the Council’s building code. Understandably some cannot afford it. That’s the reality! Filipinos have learned to live with this kind of lifestyle. But still they are the happiest people on earth, I reckon.

The context of Jesus’ parable is the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. chapters 5-7). In 7:24 it says, “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus wanted us, not only hearers of His words, but also doers of His words. Christians must take Jesus at His word and build their house of faith on Him alone. He is the very foundation- Rock of our faith. As C.R. Sproul said, “My only hope in life and death is the righteousness of Christ imputed (credited, transferred, given) to me. All I can offer Him are my filthy rags.”

Paul says, “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1Cor.3:10-11, NKJV). If you are wise you must listen seriously to the words of Jesus, for He alone, can give direction in your life-now and beyond the grave.

This parable implies that one day, there is what we call “Judgement Day.” The “wise man” who built his house of faith on Jesus is able to stand the storms of life now, and when he dies he will be with God in heaven, because he or she has the righteousness of Christ. The “foolish man” who just lives for ‘self’ has no strength in the whirlwind of life now, will one Day face the consequences of the ‘lake of fire’ in hell. God will never send people to hell, because He loves them, but people choose to go to hell by rejecting Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Which way will you choose? It is my prayer that you would be wise, not foolish. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone. Build your life on Jesus, He loves you! All by grace!