Before we jump into the story of the sand builders, I want us to consider what Jesus was saying before He started talking about building. 

Looking back at verses 21-23 in Matthew 7, He declares who is in His Kingdom and who is not.

First He says, Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21 

Calling out to the Lord as if you are good buddies, doesn’t give you a place in the kingdom. 

Then He says, Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! Matthew 7:22-23.

The word ‘lawlessness’ means unrighteousness, wickedness, destitute of the Mosaic law, without law. Strong’s #458 from #459 from Primary root #3551 – which means law.

After these strong clarifications, He begins His tale about building on the rock versus building on the sand. Both of these stories are wonderful object lessons. They illustrate the difference between obedience and disobedience. 

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. Matthew 7:24-27

So, we can build on a foundation of following Jesus in every way or on a foundation of doing things our way. The first is rock-solid storm protection and the second is sure destruction.

People can walk out the principles of God and still not be God followers. The principles work for everyone that applies them. But a relationship with God as a servant, a friend, as a son, or His bride, is completely different. There is honor, love, and respect to the degree that we don’t want to do anything contrary to God’s will. 

Of course, only Holy Spirit can work this in us. But it is our choice to follow His instruction or not. God will not force a relationship or obedience on us. 

Then these last two verses put a defining mark on the Constitution of the Kingdom. 

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29

Jesus wasn’t just another rabbi, another teacher. He didn’t quote other rabbis, as was the custom. He only spoke what He heard His Father speak and only did what He was His Father do. He spoke with authority because He had revelation knowledge from Almighty God. 

Men marveled at these characteristics. They marked Him as being quite different from other speakers. He spoke with confidence and authority. He didn’t hedge on anything or second guess what to do.

When we hear from God and know it was God speaking or showing us something, we too are forever confident of His will. God’s words don’t return void. (Isaiah 55:11) What He says, He acts upon (Numbers 23:19). 

This constitution does not need a vote or a committee discussion. It is God’s word, instructions, and revelation about His kingdom. It is rock-solid truth.

May each of us pursue an ongoing relationship with Him. May we spend time with Him in worship, study, prayer, and service. May we listen for His revelation knowledge, apply it to our lives. May we not build our lives on our own or other’s opinions, but be anchored in Him and in His foundation of wisdom and truth. 

I suggest we all read the Sermon on the Mount at least once a month. Let us ask Holy Spirit to reveal the revelation knowledge we need and put it into action. 

The divine reset for our lives, churches, and nations is waiting for our response to God’s will. Romans 8:19 says that creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Sons are mature sons, ready to take up the work of their father. We point to the world and ridicule their actions when they have yet to see God’s way, His kingdom, and how it works. We are His representatives, His ambassadors. We have His authority and His Spirit to fulfill His will. They are waiting for us. How will we respond? 

I hope you have all enjoyed these teachings. We have been walking through them since June 2021. My prayer is that it has been more than reading material. God bless each of you on your journey with Jesus. Until next time,

Shalom ♥