The Parable of the House Upon the Rock (Understanding Matthew 7:24-27)

"The wise man built his house upon the rock...the rains came down and the floods came up..."

I still know the motions to this Sunday school song I learned as a child. It is inspired by the words of the Messiah found in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus is giving an analogy about the wise man who builds his house on a firm foundation versus the foolish man who builds it on sand. When the rains and the floods happen the foolish man's house was destroyed, while the wise man's still stood.

This is practical, of course. Any home that is going to last needs a sturdy foundation. But this is also a parable. The house, the foundation, and the storm all stand in for other things. And the Messiah explains the meaning to us. The point he is really making is about following the word of YHWH.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine, and does them, shall be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."  -Matthew 7:24

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them shall be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand." -Matthew 7:26

This is not a vague spiritual principle. This is not generic advice. 

This is also not just about what the Bible says in the New Testament or limited to the words of the Messiah himself. Scripture identifies Jesus as "the Living Word" (John 1:1), and the Savior said that he only did what his father did, and that he and his father are one. Not to mention at the time he said this there was no 'New Testament.' With this in mind, we can see that the firm foundation he is talking about is all of Scripture.

For extra confirmation of this we can back up and look at the context of what was said leading up to the house upon the rock analogy. Not only is he talking about the whole of the Bible, but he specifically includes Biblical law and the commandments. 

"Many shall say to me in that day, 'Master, have we not prophesied in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and done many mighty works in your name?' And then I shall declare to them, 'I never knew you, depart from me, you without the law.'" -Matthew 7:23

Immediately after that he makes the statement, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine, and does them, shall be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

You can choose to build your life on whatever you like, but only a strong foundation will get you through the storms we all face. The Messiah said that that foundation is the word of God, and he expressly included the commandments and Biblical law in that statement.

Here is the Messiah telling us exactly how to build our lives. Upon the rock of what the Bible says and its commandments! You can choose to ignore Scripture's commandments...or you can choose to be like the wise man and have them be your foundation.

Now, it is important to correctly understand what Scripture's laws are. We need to make a distinction between the laws for how we live and the laws about animal sacrifice which are no longer in effect since the priesthood is now under Yahusha's Melchizedek order. We need to know that the law he is talking about is not manmade Jewish law, and it's also not just meant in a vague euphemistic sense or just Christian mantras or doctrines.

It's the Bible's instructions. That's what the Messiah said to build your life on.

These are the commandments that Scripture gives us for how we are to live. They consist of practical things like serving YHWH and not practicing idolatry. How to conduct your business and how to treat your neighbors and parents. What day is considered holy and what we should and shouldn't consume. Biblical law is not too hard for you to keep, according to the Bible. Jesus said that should be our foundation!

The rock that we should build our lives upon is Scripture's commandments.

Related posts:
The Three Types of Laws in Scripture
What the Messiah Said About Biblical Law
Basics of Biblical Law

Shavuot Kids Crafts

Here are kids crafts and activities for the Biblical holiday of Shavuot or Pentecost. As a believer in Messiah, Shavuot is a time to remember and celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. Crafts related to the Holy Spirit or fruit of the Spirit are appropriate for Shavuot, as well as things like the ten commandments, story of Ruth, loaves of bread, or even the number 50! Making crafts like these can be fun and memorable ways for kids to learn about what the Bible says and celebrate this Biblical holiday!

Please note that I am recommending the craft, and not necessarily every detail of the lesson that goes with it. The crafts are great starting points, and I'm sure we can come up with appropriate Biblical lessons to go with them if needed. If you're not sure what that lesson could be - please reach out!

Shavuot kids crafts:

Fire Headbands for Pentecost from Crafting the Word of God

Fruit of the Spirit Necklace from Mrs. Jones' Creation Station

Ruth Barley Harvest Bookmark from Jesus Without Language 

White Dove from Crafting the Word of God

Parable of the Banquet Guests from Jesus Without Language

Pentecost Coloring Page from Crafting the Word of God

Ten Commandments Gummies from Land of Honey

Acts 2 Fire Sun Catchers from Crafting the Word of God

Bread of Life Pinwheel from Jesus Without Language

Acts 2 Flame Spinners from Jesus Without Language

Ten Commandments craft from Mrs. Jones' Creation Station

Ruth Harvest Basket from Jesus Without Language

If you're struggling to come up with a lesson regarding a certain craft, please comment below and we can all share ideas to encourage each other!

More Shavuot fun:
DIY Shavuot Basket
Celebrating the Fruit of the Spirit at Shavuot
Shavuot Surprise Gift Exchange Game

Overlooked Truths in Proverbs 31

We need a better understanding of Proverbs 31. This passage of Scripture has been twisted, abused, and taken out of context for many years, and too many women have been left feeling inadequate because they don't do every single thing listed. I'd like to say clearly that the Holy Spirit did not inspire this part of the Bible to leave women feeling discouraged! 

The true meaning of the passage of Proverbs 31 is beautiful, but too often it has been used to reprimand women for not "doing it all," or not doing more, or to try and tell women that their only role in society should be inside the home. Most of us read it as a checklist of things we need to or 'should' do. Select wool and flax. Hire servants. Buy a field. Plant a vineyard. Sew clothes. Make a quilt. Gather food. Cook. Stay up late. Get up early. Help the poor. Have energy. Show strength. Make items to sell in the marketplace. It seems like a bit much.

But...it's a poem. It was never meant as an itinerary for all women, everywhere, throughout history. I believe that the many different activities are listed to demonstrate that being a woman of valor can look like a lot of different things! And it shows that all of these jobs, many of which are not glamorous, or are not praised in our culture, have significance. The range of activities in this poem celebrate the various professions, skills, hobbies, and value of women from all walks of life.

We should also note that Proverbs 31 isn't even directed at women. Verse 1 says that the Queen (likely Bathsheba, as "King Lemuel," is thought be Solomon, since the word lemuel means "for God") taught this saying to her son. She wasn't saying it to her daughters to tell them that a woman of valor had to do all these things. This wasn't a checklist. She was saying this to her son. I believe she did this to teach him to recognize that valor and value can come in many different forms. 

This poem calls attention to tasks that need done, but aren't necessarily noticed by those who don't do them. How many times have you gotten up early or stayed up late to attend to the work at hand and felt like no one noticed your effort? Have you worked to be generous to the poor, contribute to ministries, or provide for your family only to have your efforts feel taken for granted or downplayed? 

Proverbs 31 is not just about commercial undertakings, parenting, and homemaking either. It's not about resume building or interesting quips to put in a biography. It highlights specific character traits. Being able to laugh, acting with dignity, speaking with wisdom, generosity, and fearing YHWH are all celebrated in this passage of Scripture. The Queen was pointing out that these traits should be valued and respected!

This Bible passage is a reminder to all of us, but men in particular, not to take for granted the significant work done by women of valor. This is why the last verse says, "Honor her for all that she has done." Proverbs 31 calls us to recognize the character and resilience of the women in our lives. 

Related posts:
The Truth About 1 Corinthians 14
Who Was Phoebe in the Bible?
Five Books That Changed My Understanding of Scripture
A Hebraic Perspective on a Woman of Valor

What the Messiah Said about Biblical Law

What Jesus had to say about Biblical law is an important topic for all believers to know about! What did the Living Word say about the Written Word? Did he speak against it? Did he find it impossibly antiquated and oppressive? Did Jesus fulfill the law, or do away with it? The answers to these questions will prove to be surprising to some, but first we need to see which law the Messiah is talking about in these verses.

What law does Jesus refer to?

The Messiah often spoke of the commandments of God that were given in the Old Testament. These are also referred to as Biblical law, Mosaic law, the law of Moses, book of the covenant, or Torah. The ten commandments are part of Biblical law, but not all of it. This is the law he is referencing in the Scriptures this post will cover.

When he clashed with religious leaders, it was over what Jesus called, "your law." These would be manmade laws and traditions that the Pharisees and Scribes of the time held to be more important than Biblical law. We will not be looking at these passages in this post.

This post covers what the Messiah said about Biblical law, the commandments of his father.

How do we know that Jesus's law is the same as God's?

Because he tells us this! Verses like: I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me (John 6:38), I and the Father are one (John 10:30), Whatever the Father does, the son does likewise (John 5:19), all speak to the Messiah and the Living God being on the exact same page. We also have Jesus's point-blank statement of, "I did not come to destroy the law."

In light of statements like this, it would make no sense for Jesus to create his own version of Biblical law. He never said he was creating his own law or doing away with the commandments. When he referred to his laws, they always fit with commandments and directions already given in the Old Testament.

Here's what Jesus said about Biblical law:

"If you will enter into life, keep the Torah commandments." -Matthew 19:17

"Blessed are those who hear the word of YHWH and put it into practice." -Luke 11:28

"The weightier matters of law need to be done, without neglecting the smaller matters." -Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42

"Whoever breaks the least of these commands shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven." - Matthew 5:19

"Whatever Moses says, guard and do." -Matthew 23:3

"Do not think that I came to destroy the law or Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete." -Matthew 5:17

"It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the Torah to fall." -Luke 16:31

"If you do these words of mine, you are wise..." -Mathew 7:24

"If you love me you shall guard my commands." -John 14:14

More about Jesus and Biblical law:
Did the Messiah Fulfill the Law? Understanding Matthew 5:17
The Three Types of Laws in Scripture
Did the Messiah Break the Law?