Rock...or Sand?

We were standing near massive rocks at the edge of the ocean on the Oregon coast. There was a sign warning us of the ferocity of the waves, able to catch someone…pull them off the path…and dash them against the rocks. People had died right below where we were standing.

Needless to say, we stepped back. 

As we saw the surf hurtle toward shore, we almost stopped breathing. Each wave would hit the rocks with a boom, spray would explode dramatically in the air, then the water would recede.

And, of course, the rocks simply took the beating. The wave would expend its tremendous force – force that could crush a human being – yet the rocks were immovable.

Watching this scene brought to mind the Scriptures in Matthew and Luke where Jesus talks about where we should build our houses. Do we place them on a foundation of rock? Or of sand?

I’ve often wondered why anyone would build a house on sand. I imagine that its easier and quicker. You can level the ground fast and cheap, then start building. I picture a house next to the ocean, sitting on the sand, on a calm and sunny day, and think about how beautiful it could be.

On the other hand, building on rock would be much harder work. Setting the foundation would take time and money. Yet when the foundation was set, the house would be strong. Very strong. I picture a house next to the ocean, planted firmly on the rocks, on a grey and stormy day, and think about how secure it could be. 

Of course, Jesus wasn’t really talking about an actual location of a house. Rather, he was metaphorically saying that the spiritual foundation on which we place our “house” – our heart - makes a big difference. 

If we hear Jesus’ words and don’t take him seriously, it’s like building on sand. Jesus calls this foolish. The problem is we may not immediately realize how foolish we are when we build on the sand. We may not want to obey Jesus’ words or surrender our present pleasures. Unfortunately, sand erodes over time, and then our “house” is exposed more fully to the elements. And when the circumstances of life come crashing in like waves, and our broken relationships beat against the house like a storm wind, then our foundation will crumble.

We’ve gambled against the odds. We unwisely taken risks. And we’ve paid the price.

The other choice Jesus suggests – the wise choice – is building on rock. If we choose this option, it means we listen to God’s words, take them to heart, and put them into action. As we do, we dig deep and lay a solid spiritual foundation. When we build our lives on the rock of Christ, rather than the sand of the culture, we’re showing God that we’re willing to absorb the cost required – the time, the effort – to make sure we are set on firm ground. 

The person who builds on sand may laugh from their sundeck as they watch us labor, yet when the circumstances of life come crashing in like waves, and our broken relationships beat against the house like a storm wind, we cannot be shaken because we have built well. Our footings are embedded into solid rock. Jesus, the rock of our salvation. The rock who is immovable when the waves of life come crashing in. 

Where are you building your house? On rock…or on sand?

Let me pray for you. Our gracious God, I pray that those who read this blog would choose to build their houses…and fortify their houses…on the rock of Christ. I know, Lord, that sometimes people get busy and overlook shoring up their house (their heart) with obedience to your Word and prayer. Help them – through your Spirit – to illuminate places of weakness or selfishness so they can replace those things with your peace and love. May you make them wise so when the circumstantial storms come, they are protected from destruction because they rely on your strength. Please be the solid rock that undergirds their lives. In Jesus name, Amen.