“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock “
“As you come to him (Jesus)… you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house”
…more places of commerce?
…more temples to money?
…bigger warehouses, larger barns?
Or to build trust, and faith and hope?
To build on a rock-solid foundation – a living house for God to live in.
Helpful Bible references to consider
- Building has always been a potent symbol of human power and wealth.
(Read: Dan.4:29-30) - The story of building the Tower of Babel epitomises man’s pride in opposition to God.
(Read: Gen.11:1-9) - Jesus’ parables show the stupidity of building bigger and better for an uncertain future. He says we should build on his words – paying attention to them and putting them into practice. This will provide a rock-solid foundation on which to build our lives and characters.
(Read: Luke 12:13-21; Luke 6:46-49) - God’s real house is not a temple or a church, but a collection of living people. Jesus is both the foundation and the highest capping-stone of that house. We can be part of that house as living stones, and God will live in us for ever.
(Read: Acts 17:24; 1 Cor.3:16-17; 2 Cor.6:16; Acts 4:10-12; Eph.2:20-22) - In the ancient kingdom of Israel, the temple was a symbol of God’s presence among his people. In the future Kingdom that God has promised, a new temple in Jerusalem will become the focus of divine worship for all nations.
(Read: 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Kings 8:27-30; Zech.14:16; Micah 4:1-4)