Jesus ends this sermon on the mount by making a contrast between the wise and foolish person. The wise man hears Jesus' words and puts them into practice; the foolish man also hears the words of Jesus, but he does not put them into practice.The two individuals may look similar on the outside; they both hear Jesus' teaching; they both experience the same storm. So what is the difference? The difference is in the foundation! If we place our trust in Jesus for our salvation and then for our daily needs and decisions, we are building on a solid foundation. When the "storms" of life come, and they surely will, we are not destroyed by them. By contrast, the person who is depending on himself is building on "sand," and when the pressures of life press in on him, he falls "with a great crash."
The people who heard this sermon, and we who read it today recognize that Jesus speaks with authority. We can trust His word!
Psalm 89:19-29
This portion reiterates God's promise to Israel and to David that his line would reign forever. This promise is fulfilled in the Lord Jesus. In himself, David was nothing special. His strength and power came from the Lord, just as ours does. In all reality, we are totally helpless without God's sustaining power. Look at the promises God gave David.
- God chose him for a special purpose. v. 19
- He would sustain and strengthen him. v. 21
- He would protect him from his enemies. v. 22
- God would defeat his enemies. v. 23
- God's faithful love would be with him. v. 24
- God would exalt him, His firstborn--foreshadowing the reign of Jesus. v. 27
- His love and covenant will be with him forever.
- David's throne--through Jesus--will be established as long as the heavens endure.
- He keeps His promises.
- He is a strong and powerful God.
- He will one day subdue His enemies.
- His faithful love will be with us forever!
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