A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

CHRIST IS YOUR SOLID FOUNDATION

Matthew 7:24-25 “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.” 

A wise building contractor knows the importance of the foundation he puts in place to support the building he will build. The building will be no stronger than its foundation. Thus, great care is needed in putting in the foundation. 

Jesus says in today’s devotional verse the foundation upon which you build your life is equally important. There are any number of possible foundations for a person to anchor their life. Among them would be a good education, moral integrity, a strong work ethic, and good financial management. Jesus offers “ . . . everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”   

In other words, you can have all of the long list found in the last sentence, but if Jesus’ words are not included in your foundation, your life is built on one that is not strong. The “rock” of verse 25 is “bedrock.” Bedrock is solid and secure. It does not move. It is strong and enduring.  

Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Jesus said to him, “ . . . on this rock (Peter’s confession of faith) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) St. Paul says in Romans 10:9-13 “If you declare (confess) with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 

A hymn writer wrote, “On Christ the solid rock (bedrock) I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, by Your grace keep me securely anchored to Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith. In His holy name. Amen. 

My hope is built on nothing less   
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;  
No merit of my own I claim  
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. 

Refrain: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;  
All other ground is sinking sand. 

When darkness veils His lovely face,   
I rest on His unchanging grace;  
In ev’ry high and stormy gale  
My anchor holds within the veil. Refrain: 

His oath, His covenant and blood  
Support me in the raging flood;  
When ev’ry earthly prop gives way,  
He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain: 

When he shall come with trumpet sound,   
Oh, may I then in Him be found,  
Clothed in His righteousness alone,   
Redeemed to stand before His throne! Refrain: 

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less - LSB 575