And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:25)
At our recently held Berean Bible Challenge, we included some team-building activities (while adhering to COVID-19 protocols) that proved to be a welcome addition to the main quiz component for the afternoon. One of the activities was to build the tallest tower possible using only uncooked spaghetti and small marshmallows. It was great to see the three teams work quickly, communicate well, and spread the tasks around. No matter how great the planning and the execution, though, no matter how tall the tower was while it was still being held, the time would come when each team had to release the structure to stand on its own against the pull of the unseen foe—gravity! The tallest tower of the three proved to be the one whose foundation best supported its structure’s height.
Jesus uses a similar analogy when he contrasts those who hear and obey his words to those who hear and disobey his words. Those who fail to do what the Lord commands are like a house that is destroyed in a storm because it was built on a poor foundation. (Matthew 7:27)
Of late in Barbados, we have been experiencing plenty of wind, rain, and flooding—with the latter tragically claiming two lives. Though accidents will happen despite good planning, we still must not fail to prepare where possible. Have you downloaded and installed the CAP.CAP app on your phone? It is excellent in issuing early warnings and alerts (such as Flood Watches, Flood Warnings, etc.) for select territories and countries. Be sure to pay attention to information from your trusted local authorities. Keep your hurricane supplies well stocked and discuss with your household what the plan is for disaster management in your home. Whether it be boarding up windows or deploying sandbags, take great care to prepare as a hurricane or similar catastrophic weather event may be right around the corner.
Your physical well-being is important. Even if you don’t care much for yourself (let’s talk about this if this is true for you), there are many people who care deeply about you. To be responsible in your physical preparation but to be reckless in your spiritual preparation is to live dangerously. Jesus invites you to hear and obey his words. It may be that a spiritual onslaught (such as we have never seen before?) may be right around the corner. Are you prepared? Have you repented of sin? (1 John 1:9) Have you trusted Christ as your Saviour? (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13) Have you gotten yourself ready for spiritual warfare by prayer? (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Build your house upon The Rock, who is Christ Jesus! (1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Peter 2:7)
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
(Unknown, 1787)