Building on a Rock

Beatitude Series Part III

“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[face]. 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[face].”

July 27th 1997 was a notable day for my family and for Fort Collins Colorado. This was the day my husband defended his dissertation before his academic committee and passed. It had been a long road but that evening as we sat at our dinner table celebrating his accomplishments, a rain was falling. It had been many weeks of long hot summer weather, but it was the beginning of our short Monsoon season which can bring heavy rains. We lived in a high plains desert, and the hot temperatures baked the clay soil into a pottery like surface. Little did we know that this rain would turn into an international event.

It was early morning when the phone rang. My sister, who lived in the United Kingdom called with concern in her voice, “Are you all right?” I was puzzled and answered “Yes, why do you ask?” She then relayed the news that was being broadcast in London – a terrible flood devastated Fort Collins, Colorado. I assured her we were fine. Rain had dumped 14.5 inches of rain in 31 hours creating flash flooding that wreaked havoc on parts in Fort Collins.

In a desert we often think that lack of water is the most dangerous thing, but in reality it is the flash flooding that can occur. When large amounts of rain fall it gathers on the surface because it can’t soak into the ground. This gathering of violent water causes deep erosion and carries debris and rocks. This water becomes a powerful force. Below is a picture of the flooding in Fort Collins, this is normally a small stream that can be crossed on foot, but as you can see on this day it moved automobiles.

In the lands of the Bible, the desert contains Wadis, which are the intermittent drainage of water from the sudden rain and flash flooding. Crossing Wadis can be dangerous at certain times of the year because rain as far away as 60 miles (100 km) can produce this flash flooding. By the time you hear the sound of this rushing water it may be too late.

Here is a link to a video showing this phenomena, it is in the Negev, Israel. Watch a river bed coming alive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi7wwLCCj0c

Jesus, the Rabbi, speaking to the crowds on the mountainside, in what we call “The Beatitudes” finishes his teaching with the ultimate summation of the Law (Torah) with something from their culture that they would understand. Down in the Wadi is sand which can easily be washed away by the chaos, but building your home upon the rock ledge will keep the house safe. In the beatitudes Jesus built the case that the summation of the Torah is loving God and loving your enemies. He in fact did not water down the Law but built a stronger case that love ultimately fulfills the Torah. This commandment which loves enemies and goes the extra mile, is building your house on the cliff face rather than down in the sand where the chaos of life will sweep you away!

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves others has fulfilled the law.” Rom 13:8