Building houses on rock and sand

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Building houses on rock and sand  

Luke 6: 46-47 “Why do you call me, Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words, and puts them into practice.”

Extra Reading: Luke 6: 46-49

You will note here that the Sermon on the Mount ends with a clear warning from Jesus to put his words into action. Jesus was not content with letting his audience ponder his profound thoughts. Of course, his teaching is not meant for academic discussion and debate. Instead, Christians should build their entire lives around his teachings, applying them to every facet of life. If they don’t, they will not be able to withstand the pressures and temptations of this world and will be swept away to their destruction. Jesus calls believers to take the time they have now-before the floodwaters come-to re-evaluate the way they live in light of his teachings.

“So why do you call me ‘Lord,’ when you won’t obey me?” You may say this is a tough question from the Lord. Let me say that people who choose to follow Jesus will find a change in their attitudes and behaviour, as Jesus has described. Those who are false followers will be found out by the “fruit” they produce (6:43-45).To call Jesus Lord means to have committed oneself to following him and his teaching. Why would someone call Jesus “Lord” and then refuse to obey his teachings? Jesus’ true followers not only hear his words, but they act on his words, allowing the message to make a difference in their lives.

Someone goes to a medical doctor for attention. He diagnoses your problem and gives you a prescription, telling you to take your medication daily and check with him in a week. The week passes; you go in for the follow-up appointment. “Have you been taking the medication?” He asks. “No,” you say, “I decided I didn’t really need to.” “Then why are you coming to me for treatment?” He asks, reasonably enough. “Why ask my advice? Why bother having a doctor at all?” It’s doubtful that anyone would do that. And yet how often do we Christians profess Jesus as our Lord, then ignore his clear commands? We call him Lord, yet do not do what he tells us to do. It’s as foolish as seeing a doctor and then disregarding his instructions. The Lord’s commands are clear and relatively few: Love God. Love one another. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be forgiving with the offender and compassionate with the weak and oppressed. Are there areas of your life that need to be brought under his Lordship? Ask him to enable you to do so by his grace today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my sin of failing to listen to your commands. Please help me to obey you today. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.

Rev. Samuel N. Modise

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