(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Matthew 7:24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”
Far too often we read the Scriptures through the lens of our culture instead of seeing our culture through the lens of Scripture. Matthew 7:24-27 is a passage in which the context and the geography of Israel is very helpful.
In Israel there are dry riverbeds, each referred to as a wadi. A wadi is, in essence, a small canyon which has been shaped by water and still serves as an occasional riverbed. Rains which fall on nearby mountains slowly flow down the mountains into the wadi. The base of the wadi is the riverbed, full of nothing but sand and silt. The top of the wadi is solid rock, safe from pending floodwaters.
This is the image Jesus is referring to about building on rock vs. sand. Those who ignore Jesus’ teachings are like those who build a home at the base of a wadi on the sand. The floodwaters and torrents will come. Their home and all possessions will be destroyed. But those who listen to Jesus’ teachings are like those who build on rock.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 7:24-29, PSALM 40:1-3 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Your life is like a wadi. Floodwaters (trials, challenges, and traumas) will come whether you want them to or not. What are some ways God has already picked you up out of the muck and mire and put you on solid ground? Be specific.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, my life reflects the truth that floodwaters will come whether I want them to or not. Nevertheless, I recognize that there are countless ways in which You have already picked me up out of the muck and mire and have set me upon solid ground. Today, I simply want to rejoice in what You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
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