BUILDING UPON THE ROCK

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” MATTHEW 7:24

Examine the wisdom of those who do the sayings of our Lord, those who build upon a rock. They are indeed wise, who do “the will of My Father who is in heaven.” They are truly wise whose righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. They are poor in spirit, knowing themselves as also they are known. They see and feel all their sin and guilt until it is washed away by the atoning blood of Christ. They are conscious of their lost condition, of the wrath of God abiding on them, and of their utter inability to help themselves till they are filled with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Then they are meek and gentle, patient toward all, never returning evil for evil but rather a blessing, and thus overcome evil with good. Their souls are athirst for nothing on earth, but only for the living God. These have love for all, even ready to lay down their lives for their enemies. They love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Those alone shall enter into the kingdom of heaven who, in this spirit, do good to all, and who for that cause are hated, reproached, and persecuted, yet still rejoice and are exceeding glad. These know in whom they have believed and are assured that these light, momentary afflictions will work out for them “an eternal weight of glory.”

Wesley, John (2011-02-01). Renew My Heart (Classic Insights) . Barbour Publishing, Inc.. Kindle Edition.