Parable of the Two Houses

“ ‘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. 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. 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.’ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (Matthew 7:24-28, NIV) [See Luke 6:46-49]

This is a very familiar parable, two houses, one built on a solid foundation and one on the sand. As children in Vacation Bible School we no doubt heard the story and even sang the action song, “The wise man built his house upon the rock.” Even though we have known and read this parable most of our lives if we are Christians and students of the Bible, we sometimes overlook the strong truths Jesus wanted to convey, then and now, by this story. This parable is prefaced by the important words, “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man…” Discipleship first involves hearing the words of the Lord. Then hearing is followed by heeding and by doing. The parable is one of practicality. Any person building a house knows that the foundation is vital to a sound, lasting structure. Unless care is given to the foundation, the building will be insecure when winds blow and storms pound. Likewise, in building our faith and conducting our life based upon our faith, we must have the sure foundation of Jesus Christ who declared, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). This is so important in our day when New Age and other cultic philosophies vy (sic) for the Truth in Jesus Christ. Beware! Discern! Think! Pray!

In giving this parable, Jesus was referring to a scripture his hearers would have known. He was also basing the truth upon practical knowledge of carpentry and building. The scripture is found in Proverbs 10:25: “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever” (NIV). Likewise, from a practical viewpoint, if we build a house or if we purchase one already built, it would be foolish not to give attention to the sure foundation and how the building is erected, “from the ground up” as we often say. In our faith, we first listen and learn and then we put into practice, we do, we act. The only sure foundation for faith and practice is Jesus Christ. Our part is to first get that foundation and then to build upon it. And regardless of what storms may come in life, we are safely anchored. Praise be to God!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, September 2, 2010