Matthew 7:24-29  Jesus ends His sermon with one more warning. He compares those who have heard His word and act upon it and those who heard but don't.  Those who take heed of all He has spoken are like the house built on rock.. and those who don't are like houses built on sand. 

Both houses face the same storms.. the same rain and floods and winds. But one will fall and the other will stand.  In this world, the apostle wrote, we will face troubles.  Being a believer does not make us immune to the struggles of life in a fallen world.  Sometimes, we even face more!  The difference is our Foundation.  Christ Jesus is a firm foundation.  He has given Himself so that we might overcome with Him.. in Him.. and through His strength. 

This was a long sermon.. so what "words" are the ones we need to act upon? Is it the light that we need to shine?  Is it about the righteousness that we need.. a righteousness greater than the Pharisees and scribes? Is it about praying, giving, and fasting?  Or is it asking, seeking, and knocking?  In all of these things we see that Jesus is calling us to choose the narrow way.. choose to trust Him.. to seek Him first.. to come into that deeper relationship.. an intimate, personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

Jesus taught with "authority" Matthew tells us.  He knows about the storms and winds and flooding.  He knows that Life is found in His Word, in His way..  We make our choice and we either stand in Him or we fall without Him. He is urging us to choose Him!

Father in heaven, thank You for giving us the grace to hear the Words of Christ and to do them.  We know we must have His strength and wisdom and thank You for the rich supply of both according to Your loving kindness. Help us to have ears to hear and hearts to understand all that Jesus taught and did.  May our lives be built on Him and may good fruit be produced to the glory of Your Name. Amen.