Dave's Diary

Today our attention shifts to the coming Sunday’s focus on the “Ancient Path” of Christian Action.

Daily Reading: Matthew 7:24-29

Yesterday’s reading (Psalm 119:89-113) showed us that the Word of the Lord is Life-Giving. In today’s reading, Jesus uncompromisingly lays down the truth that this life-giving power of the Word is only released when we translate it into action.

In His well-known parable of the two men building their houses on rock and sand respectively, Jesus illustrates the difference between a life built on the solid rock of His Word and one built on the sand of human wisdom. By reflecting carefully on this parable we gain the insight that knowing the Word of the Lord is like a builder knowing where a layer of underground rock is located. But his or her knowledge of the rock’s location makes no difference unless he or she actually digs down to the rock and builds upon it. Building on the rock is the only wise response to that knowledge. It’s only the response that makes any difference to the quality of the house.

And in Jesus’ metaphor, “building on the rock”, is equated to putting the Lord’s Word into action. It is only when we make daily behavioural decisions and lifestyle choices based on obedience to the teaching of the Word and its revelation of God’s will that the Word makes any difference to the quality of our lives.

LORD, I long to build my life upon the firm foundation of Your Will as revealed in Your Word. Please grant me the grace of wisdom to know Your will as revealed in Your Word, and the grace to put it into action with courage and endurance. Amen.