“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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27
When considering building a new home, it is critical that homeowners take into account the foundation on which the home will be constructed. The foundation is the structure that creates a strong, level base on which to build. Foundations that are not properly constructed can cause settlement issues, wall cracking, bowing, water penetration, and many other problems.
A home construction company lists different types of soil on their website, describing the various characteristics of each type. This is how the construction company describes “Loose Sand”:
“Sand is a common building material, and it can be used for a variety of construction projects. It’s a good choice for bricklaying, as it has a soft texture. But it can also be dangerous. When an earthquake strikes, sand can change from being a solid to being a liquid, amplify the shaking, and cause major structural damage.”
Sand is flexible and beneficial to use when needing a pliable material.
But sand is not a suitable material for a foundation. When a major catastrophe occurs, the composition of sand alters completely. It shifts from being a reliable solid to an unpredictable liquid. Destruction ensues.
By contrast, a home construction company lists the following description when a homeowner decides to build their house on rock (or stone, as it is referenced in the construction world):
“Rock will not bend, warp, splinter, dent, or swell. It is also very difficult to leave a scratch or chip in the stone. The elements and outdoor weather, such as rain, snow, sleet, and even hail, will not have any effect on rock. Additionally, because stone is so strong and durable, it will last for a very long time.”
When a major catastrophe occurs, a foundation made of rock is less likely to change or move, which will keep a home intact during a time of crisis.
Jesus said “… foolish is the man who builds his house on sand.” With its unstable and unpredictable nature, one would not need to be a builder to understand that investing your money, time, and energy in constructing a dwelling on shifting sand would be reckless. You run the risk of having everything you built crumble apart at the first sign of calamity.
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus gives His followers an analogy: those who trust in God and assemble their lives according to His Word are like the wise, who build their homes on a solid rock foundation.
And yet, so many people orchestrate and arrange their lives around the uncertain things of this world.
If rock is sturdy and reliable, why are people tempted to build their houses (their lives) on sinking sand instead?
The hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” by Edward Mote (later turned into the worship song, “Cornerstone,” by Hillsong,) begins with the following lyrics:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”
Mote declares, “I dare not trust the sweetest frame.” There are several theories as to the “frame” he is referencing in this line. One theory is that it means the frame of a home, especially since the initial lines reference “building” our hope on nothing less than Jesus. Another theory is that it means the frame of a person’s body.
In either case, we can often find ourselves tempted by people or by worldly things. These relationships and objects can appear “sweet” and appealing at first, but will they stand the test of time like the Word of God (the rock) will? Can anything other than faith in God wholly withstand the storms of life?
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” – Isaiah 26:4.
“The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” -Deuteronomy 32:4.
“Now, Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.” – 2 Samuel 7:28.
Anything we place our hope, our faith, and our future in other than God is going to fail us. “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house (constructed on sand,) and it fell with a great crash.” A foundation of sand cannot withstand the unpredictability of life. Disaster and commotion will eventually strike and destroy the home that is set upon its foundation.
As tempting and enticing as the sweetest frames in life may be, may we hold strong to following the Word of God. The Lord’s promises are unshakable and unmovable. There are no better assurances to place our trust in.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Tracy Huneycutt has been a member of the Journey Church family since 2020. She enjoys serving food on Breakfast Sundays, teaching Kindergarten-2nd grade JKids, and being a part of the Moms Group. Her family consists of her husband, John, her son, Reid, and her Labrador, Suki. Tracy writes blogs and social media content as a copywriter and freelance marketing agent. She is blessed to have additional opportunities to write, especially to share the love and wisdom of the Father.
