On 8 December 1976, a massive earthquake struck Welkom (in the Free State). We schoolchildren were rushed out of classrooms onto the rugby field. Everyone was pale with fear. Not far away, a six-story apartment building, Tempest Hof, collapsed. At 12 years old, my fear was immense: if it could happen there, why not to our house too? For the first time, I learned about solid foundations, quality building materials, and construction regulations.
I wonder what the people on the mountain thought that day as Jesus concluded His sermon (in Matthew 5–7) with the image of a man building his house on rock, and another on sand. Many of these people had already started following Him from town to town. Their numbers would grow as they undertook the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. Few realised that the storms Jesus referred to lay ahead—not only for Him but also for every disciple. “Various trials” (1 Pet 1:6) awaited them, even persecution!
We don’t like hearing this. We prefer a comfortable-chair faith. Yet Jesus teaches that such a thing doesn’t exist! We too will be led down paths where we’d rather not go. How will you stand firm? Will you give in? Will you be swept away by the force of the floodwaters? What will be the source of your inner strength?
For Jesus, it’s crystal clear: not everyone who hears His words will carry them through to the end. The challenges will overwhelm some. But those who “hear His words and act on them” will testify:
“The Lord is my fortress; my God is the rock where I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2).
PRAYER: It is liberating to know that I don’t have to stand strong against the storms, but that You are the strong one. Thank You that I can take refuge in You and that You protect me.
MUSIC:
We watch the music video of “In die Hand van die Here” by Jan Neethling.