“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
Matthew 7:24-27
I wondered if I would be good enough. But I already knew I wasn’t. I finished reading the Sermon on the Mount, all the great teaching Jesus presented. The last half of Chapter 7 elicited an uncertainty when contemplating my faith. Was I one of those who Jesus would say, “Depart from Me – I never knew you.” The thought of such a pronouncement was unbearable. The condition of my heart – was it counterfeit, going through the motions, pretending to be a servant of God? Was I doing His work only to hear the final declaration, “You workers of iniquity”. Where was the assurance, the confidence in my relationship to God? Convinced I was on the narrow path, I feared it was wider than I anticipated. The uncertainty of my standing with God was really a struggle. And then I came to the final metaphor in this great sermon. Was there something to grab hold of in this final literary figure of speech?
Truth is Debated
“Therefore” – now that is an extraordinarily strong word. It implies the drawing of important conclusions based on what has been previously shared. When making the case for a particular position in a debate-like setting, I may well begin my summary with a “Therefore” moment. I have made the case for my position and now I want to persuade the listener to my position.
The year 2020 will no doubt go down in history as a time when our world was in varying stages of political and social upheaval. There is significant debate these days on very divisive topics, revealing strong opinions with intense emotions reflected in varied behavioral responses. Those in leadership positions are challenged with finding paths to reconciliation. To assess the situation, these leaders attempt to define lines of division, highlighting cultural and historical influences as well as any practical matters foundational to dialogue. Unfortunately, there are a plethora of positions being put forward, some with more aggressive and destructive outcomes than others. Any sense of dialogue seems to be met with a defensive response alleging an apparent attempt to impose a moral/ethical standard. “Who are you to tell me how to live?” It is in this defensive posturing that the foundation for finding resolution through dialogue really breaks down. In the absence of any agreed upon framework, the ability to reach consensus is challenging. Where does this leave us?
Consider a real-life scenario – a little league baseball game. The purpose of the umpire is to be the objective decision maker as the game progresses. His calls are the final word. Indeed, appeals can be made; yet the final decision remains with him. Recently, there was a game where the parents for one team vehemently disagreed with the way the umpire was calling the game. Eventually the parents for both teams began arguing with one another at an escalating level. The umpire was being mocked verbally as he made attempts to maintain control. Eventually parents entered the field and began a physical brawl as the 6th grade players watched. The umpire left the field, the fighting subsided, and eventually everyone took their kids home. In the absence of any respect for the authority of the umpire, the parents chose to take matters into their own hands, creating their own path to supposed “resolution” – which was really rebellion not resolution.
There is an often-quoted verse from the Bible referring to a period in Israel’s history when they had an authority gap which lead to unrest, rebellion, and anarchy:
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judges 17:6
In recent times, it has been observed that certain groups of people have moved toward what is called “subjective relativism” – each person decides right and wrong for themselves. In the extreme, subjective relativism implies that there is no longer any standard to which one can appeal. In the United State, the “rule of law” – a term being used a lot these days – implies, in part, an appeal to governing documents such as the Constitution as the basis for achieving orderly function in society. Stated another way, the Constitution serves as a standard to which judicial rulings can appeal. Indeed, the Umpire example and the Constitution may not be perfect “standards”; never-the-less they historically have served as a means of arbitration. When you lose the ability to appeal to an agreed upon standard, chaos ensues because each person will then feel the freedom to choose their own standard – subjective relativism is the outcome, leaving no rule of law. How do we then reason right from wrong, acceptable from unacceptable?
Truth Declares Himself
Slide back in time about 2000 years to life in the Roman Empire – a period known as “Pax Romana” (Roman Peace). For 200 hundred years beginning in 27 BC, the Empire enjoyed unprecedented social stability and economic prosperity. In this time of law, order and security, Augustus recognized Judaism as a legal religion. While resistant to Roman dominance and rule, the Jewish religious leaders practiced their faith while giving token acknowledgement of Imperial authority. They enjoyed their position of religious power, serving as the spiritual authorities to the Jewish people. In this setting of practicing Judaism under the watchful eye of the Romans, one named Jesus of Nazareth comes on the scene making a radical declaration. He claimed to be the Son of God. He performed miraculous acts to substantiate the authority in his message – a proclamation of ideas that left the religious leaders distraught, offended, and furious. He presented a very different interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures from the Scribes and Pharisees, his claims considered blasphemous to the religious elite. While not able to deny His learned teaching and miraculous performances, they were not swayed from the historical interpretation of their faith. From very early on they plotted Jesus’ demise, convinced he must be stopped lest he lead the people astray. The Scribes and Pharisees enjoyed religious authority over the people. But the message and actions of Jesus were creating a significant following, strengthening his influence over the people even as the religious leaders were losing the same. As a result of his teachings and proclamations, there were arguments amongst the people, crowds of people in disagreement, families torn apart because of accepting or rejecting his teaching, and demonstrations for and against. The Romans didn’t mingle in the affairs of this “religion”, but they also did not tolerate civil unrest. Things were getting pretty concerning to the local governing authorities as they watched the discord progress. The religious leaders did not want Rome to hear things were out of control, lest they come in and suppress the religious freedoms enjoyed. To the Romans, the view of Jesus Christ was nothing more than a religious skirmish among a small sect in the vast Roman empire, and thus presenting no real threat. They just wanted the Pharisees to resolve their differences and stop being an annoyance to the peace being enjoyed under the rule of Augustus.
Successfully creating a set of false charges, the religious leaders brought Jesus to the Roman leadership who possessed the power to enact the death penalty – crucifixion. This was their plan for removing this false Rabbi from their presence and restoring order. As recorded in John chapter 18, Jesus appeared before Pilate who asks if He was indeed King of the Jews. Jesus explained that His kingdom was not of this world where upon Pilate answers, “So you are a King.” Then Jesus gave Pilate this statement:
“You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37
Jesus declared that there is absolute truth which in reality is the only kind of truth. Not only did He testify to the truth but made clear that He in fact was the truth (John 14:6). The Bible declares Jesus Christ to be the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), the exact representation of His being (Heb 1:3). God the creator has the unique authority to declare truth, His character being its very definition. And we the created are called to follow His teaching, to seek His Kingdom, to pour out our worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The concept of subjective relativism is the antithesis of God’s sovereign rule and reign over his kingdom. He is the way, he defines what is absolute truth, and through Him is the only means to life. There is no ambiguity. Jesus calls every person to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow (Luke 9:23). The solution Jesus proclaims, which is the solution we need today, is the transformation of the heart, inclined to following Him – a gift of grace alone in Christ alone.
The question for us is this:
“What do we do with this man Jesus and the message He delivered?” In particular, Jesus challenges us in this metaphor to consider “Upon what foundation are you going to build your life house?”
The Answer
I am convinced that this “Therefore” message is one I cannot just give casual attention in this sojourn. The message doesn’t allow me to draw such a conclusion. God desires for us to have a deep relationship with him. And out of that relationship, we must be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22). At the age of 15, God began burdening my heart – a call to an authentic relationship. I spent many years resisting this call but am now convinced more than ever of the importance of such communion. I would suggest the answer to our problems today is not found in political or social statements but in the deep pursuit of God. From the inside out, the Holy Spirit will author a transformation of the heart. In Isaiah 45:22, God said through the prophet,
“Turn to me and be saved all the ends of the earth. For I am God and there is no other.”
I think it is worthwhile to continue with this journey to discover what God desires for each of us as we select our life house foundation.
Reflection
- If you are a parent, you are called upon to provide leadership for your family. Perhaps you are in a leadership position at your place of employment responsible for providing direction to a team. With that responsibility comes some level of authority to make decisions. When you provide a direction expecting it to be followed, how do you respond when those under your authority decide they will go a different direction? To what do you appeal?
- We discussed the idea of “Subjective Relativism” and the challenges therein. What would you say to someone when they suggest truth is relative, cultural, or demographically dependent? How would you defend your position?
- Jesus was abundantly clear concerning His authority with such statements as:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7)
How do you think Jesus would be received in a world of subjective relativism if he were to show up today? How would you defend Jesus in today’s culture? - If someone were to ask you why God thinks he has the right and authority to dictate how we should live our lives and pass judgment on our choices, what would give as your answer?
- I would suggest there is significant truth that we should consider in this metaphor teaching from Jesus. The previous questions deal with sensitive issues and definitely possible topics someone could challenge you to defend as one who professes faith in Jesus Christ. And I am sure you could think of many more challenges you could or already have encountered. We are called to be ready to give a defense for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15 ). You may not have answers or be questioning the validity of your answers. Part of this study is to dig deeper into these important matters that we might be better equipped to be that ambassador for Christ. Alternatively, you may be exploring this thing called faith. Either way, the journey is a very important investment. Grab a notebook and start capturing your questions, answers, and uncertainties. Let’s see where God leads.
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