Rock and Sand

In the last three months, our world has forever changed. We are walking through something that I never dreamed would happen, and yet we still don’t know what’s next and how normal will look.

I hope things will go back to the way they were, but that’s wishful thinking.

We’re in a new paradigm and how we do life with each other, will never be the same. This tension that we are navigating is not only palatable to our senses, it’s also dividing.

The turmoil of racial tension and political strife is something that adds to the frenzy of the COVID-19 crisis. This old wound of racial injustice must be healed and our political system in America, needs help.

Truly, we are in unsettling times.

However, God can do something we can’t do. He can stabilize us through the storm around us, so that we stand firm and be anchored in him. This is BIG because in Jesus, the chaos around me, does not have to be in me. The division around me, does not have to be in me. The hate, arguing and blaming around me, does not have to be in me.

This is because our foundation is in Jesus and He’s our Rock!

In Jesus, famous message in the Gospel of Matthew, he detailed between Rock and Sand and what happens either way.

“24. Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:24-35.

Notice, the rock provides endurance and strength to withstand the storm. The house and the person, do not waver and do not bend.

Right now, we’re in a storm. It’s one that has touched our homes, our hearts and our world. Therefore, we must be built on the rock, who is Jesus!

This means I’m built on who he is and who I am through him. It’s this identity that cements me in confidence and assurance, that God is for me. This also fortifies me in what I believe, which anchors me no matter what is said, taught, or done around me.

Crisis, politics, bantering and the debate on racial justice will NOT splinter me or consume me. No, I’m built on Jesus and he’s love shows me what to do and how to respond to all people. Because of this, he will give me compassion for my fellow man.

I’m not moved as a pond, but rather I’m immovable through my God. He leads me, he guides me, he helps me, he heals me and he completes me.

This is for all of us today!

We must build our lives on the Rock that is Jesus! We must be rooted in him and allow him, to guide our lives, our actions and the treatment of all people.

However, we’re tempted to build on the sand. This is alluring because at times, it’s easier, it’s the flow of the crowd, it looks great, it feels great and it gives acceptance.

But the end of this is bad.

“26. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:26-27.

Notice, on the sand, the house does not stand and It will collapse from the storm. This is because the sand produces trust and confidence in things that are fleeting and temporary.

It wagers everything on the opinion of others, politics, debating, being engulfed in strife, and proving you’re right no matter what. These things and more are imperfect and NOT the purpose of a Christ Follower!

Our purpose is to worship Jesus and to help others come to him. It’s to model the love of God to those around us and to be his church. Our attention must be on the Rock and then to bring others on that Rock too!

You see, when we’re on the Rock, our thoughts will become clear, our purpose is discovered and we see others through Jesus.

However, when we’re on the Sand, we’ll be confused, deceived, not knowing our purpose, and majoring on minors with ourselves and with others.

Right now, we need the Rock!

We need all he is and all he can do. He’s the only one that can fix the mess we’re in. This is why we have to remember, people can see Jesus through the way we treat them.

So what Jesus are we giving people?

Is he mean, divisive, argumentative, debating politics, proving points and missing hearts?

Or, is he loving, gracious, humble, listening, reaching out and walking alongside others?

However we’re acting, is the Jesus we’re giving! That’s deep.

Rock and Sand, which one are you built on?

Please don’t let the flow of others, tempt you with the sand. Please don’t let the political Machine, pull you into the sand. Please don’t let distractions, pull you into the sand.

Now more than ever, we need Jesus and Jesus needs his church to be on the Rock!

Have a great Fourth of July weekend and may Jesus do amazing things through you!

The best is yet to come,

PD