A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

IN CHRIST YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER

Matthew 7:26-27 “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.” 

Jesus continued His teaching regarding the need of a proper foundation for your life saying what happens when there is no solid foundation. (see yesterday’s devotion for Jesus’ teaching about needing a solid foundation) When a building is built on a weak, non-supportive foundation, Jesus taught and “the rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”   

Many a person has had a good education, moral integrity, a strong work ethic, and good financial management. Their life appeared to be “rock solid.” But, as they aged and their life was nearing its end, they realized neither their wealth, job title, beautiful home, lovely family, nor community reputation offered them peace and assurance regarding what would happen to them when they died. All their human achievements become meaningless. (Read the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes) 

Only when you “wholly lean on Jesus’ name” do you know with certainty what will come for you after you die. Jesus says to you as you contemplate, as you face the certainty of death, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

Jesus came into the world that you will have an eternal life. Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life” for you. (John 14:6) In Him alone is there a sure and certain hope of a never-ending life in heaven. St. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, “ . . . Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

For me to live is Jesus, To die is gain for me;  
So when my Savior pleases, I meet death willingly. 

For Christ, my Lord, my brother, I leave this world so dim  
And gladly seek another, Where I shall be with Him. 

My woes are nearly over, Though long and dark the road;  
My sin His merits cover, And I have peace with God. 

Lord, when my pow’rs are failing, My breath comes heavily, 
And words are unavailing, O hear my sighs to Thee. 

In my last hour, O grant me A slumber soft and still,  
No doubts to vex or haunt me, Safe anchored in Thy will. 

And so to Thee still cleaving When death shall come to me,  
I fall asleep believing And wake in heav’n with Thee!  

For Me to Live Is Jesus - LSB 742