“The meaning [of Luke 6:47-49] is obvious: Jesus is inviting you to actually obey his teaching, and in doing so, put your life on the only foundation that will stand for all eternity. Jesus can be the rock of your life, but you’ll actually have to do what he says. But the good news is that — right there in plain sight in this parable — he gave you the way there.”- Alli Patterson
“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”- 1 Peter 2:4 (NIV)
Alli Patterson concludes Chapter 1 of How to Stay Standing as she exhorts us to dig down deep while our circumstances remain dry. Because when things are sunny on the surface, we inch closer toward the rock. However, Alli notes, the payoff may not come for years.
Therefore, Alli counsels, avoid self-deception. Don’t claim you actually have faith while failing to follow Jesus’s commands. Thus, in Luke 6:47-49, Jesus challenges us to actually DO something. So, as the water rises and lays your faith bare, you wind up standing in the end.
In conclusion, Alli underscores, build your faith on the continual rhythms of come, hear, and practice.
1. Come. This means more than just putting ourselves in the proximity of Jesus. Instead, we come to Him with an open willingness to engage. To bring our whole heart, self, and life before Him.
2. Hear. Certainly, hearing means more than physical listening. Hearing God’s language, history, character, tone of voice, and His very words must sink deeper. In addition, it impacts what we’re willing to do.
3. Practice. Coming with open hearts to hear deeply enough moves us to practice obedience in our lives. Thus, practice finishes the process of turning the sand of our foundation into rock. Hence, we find ourselves grounded on Jesus himself.
Today’s question: How do you bear witness to Jesus as the rock of your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the May Short Meditation, “Internal tug-of-war? Rejoice!”
