As this evil age, full of sin, sickness, and death is coming to a close, Jesus asks a very important question, “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?” It could be put this way, why don’t you practice what I tell you? Simply put Jesus say that people who really follow Him will change in attitudes and behavior. Those who are not true followers will be found out by the “fruit” they produce, Luke 6:43-45.
This parable or teaching is based on two different houses. Both cost the same, yet the difference is what that house stood on. The houses represent people and how they live their lives. We are making eternal decisions everyday preparing for the storm or the day of judgment.
The Amplified Bible 2015 uses the word practice instead of do, it means to perform or carry out an action. What I believe is that to many Christians fail to let the power of the gospel change their lives. Watchman Nee tells about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. “No matter how much I pray,” said the man, “no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I’m losing my salvation.” And Nee said, “Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ’s heir because it is for you that He died.” So it is with us. We are Christ’s heirs, not through our perfection but by means of His grace.
There are season rainfalls in Israel, but during the rainy season heavy rains were possible and extreme flooding could wash away houses that did not have a secure foundation. This is in reference to the ones who don’t build their lives on truths of the gospel, the rock. But those who listen and put into practice the truth of the gospel, rainfalls came, the beating winds blow, yet it stands because the house is well built.
Notice that Jesus says when the storms of life come, not if, the only people that last are those who have a sure foundation. In this evil age crises will come, heartache will happen, it is the nature of the Age, let’s be sure our life is built on the solid foundation of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.
Bruce Hines - Church In One Accord
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