Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as One who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
– Matthew 7:24-29
Devotion
The final admonition of the Sermon on the Mount comes by way of a short parable. The wise man not only hears Jesus’ words, but also acts on them. Such a man is building the kind of house that will withstand the storms of life. The foolish man on the other hand, merely hears Jesus’ words, but fails to act on them. While he/she may appear to be quite devoted, the weakness of his/her devotion will be shown when the tests of life pound against his/her life. His house will collapse, and great will be its fall.
The Big Question
Why is this parable a fitting end to the Sermon on the Mount? What’s the real difference between wise and foolish builders? What does the foundation of your house (life) look like? What was the reaction of the crowds to Jesus’ teaching? What is your reaction to Jesus’ teaching?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today.