46“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”—Luke 6:46-49
Jesus’ words to us in Luke 4 are a warning for those who hear God’s Word, but don’t put it into practice. It’s not just about hearing His Word but applying it to our lives as well. When hard times come, their superficial faith won’t be able to withstand it. But those who build our house on our Rock, Jesus Christ, and live out His teachings, will be able to weather life’s storms.
I say this all of the time; I don’t know how people get through difficult times without Jesus. It saddens my heart to see our world with so many lost souls who feel hopeless. Studying the book of Revelation this past year, gave me more of a sense of urgency to tell others what Jesus has done for me.
I know some people are afraid to do a Revelation study. Bible prophecy isn’t supposed to scare us, but prepare us for what is to come. In the book of John, Jesus tells us in 14:6, He has gone before us to prepare a place for us. It is not a myth. God’s Word is true. If it says it will happen, it will.
The book of Revelation makes it clear; there will be hardened hearts who refuse to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Until that day comes, we continue to share the Gospel to the lost.
The only way to achieve this is to have the anchor of the Word of God. His Word strengthens our spiritual roots. It nourishes them so they will grow. A good way to hear the Word of God is to read our Bible out loud. It is biblical to do this.
Going back to Revelation; I finished up BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) in May. I did a short Bible reading plan during my summer break before I started a new Bible study. One of my sisters in Christ who also did the study decided to continue and read a little bit from Revelation every day but read it out loud. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”—Revelation 1:3
I decided I was going to do the same thing because there are many days when I think, Lord, surely You are coming soon. Our world seems to be falling apart. However, at the same time, as much as I would like to see Jesus return, there is also a vast number of unbelievers in the world. Jesus’ desire is for all to be saved.
We are to be bold with others proclaiming the truth…Jesus is the only way to eternal life. He is the Son of God who died on the cross for us. Because of His death on the cross we aren’t bound to the Old Testament sacrifices required to atone for our sins. He died on the cross and took that burden from us. Praise God!.
God’s love for us provides a firm foundation for our lives. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s love for His people is evident. This love is meant to flow out of us into those around us. This week let’s be more intentional in loving like Jesus to those who think differently than us.
Father God,
For those whose views oppose You, may they see something different in me. Soften their heart to be open to hearing what You have done and are doing in my life. Let Your love flow out of me and into those around me. I thank You for Your Word, which anchors me. When storms come, that foundation is what keeps me from sinking. Use my life to bear witness to how obeying Your teachings give me strength and guidance. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ Amen.
October Verse
“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.”—Matthew 7:24 (NLT)
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