Though we should try to protect ourselves from storms, nothing prevents them from coming, does it? They reach us regardless of whether we prepared for them or not.
Jesus talked about the storms in one of his sermons. He said, “Everyone then who listens to these words and does them will be like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”1 Of course, Jesus is speaking metaphorically here. Truth is, sometimes houses fall during bad storms—even well-built houses. And trees—oh, my goodness, the trees—they are uprooted and thrown around during storms, especially category 4 storms, which we have learned are so powerful!
Therefore, as we pick up the pieces from Hurricane Helene and try to return to “normal life,” let’s ask ourselves a few questions about Jesus’ analogy. The “house” is our lives and the “rock” is Jesus. And the rain and the floods and the winds represent the injurious and destructive struggles of life—as well as real hurricanes! This storm that Jesus describes is not a gentle shower but the kind that knocks us over from the force of it. How, then, do we protect ourselves?
We must first assume that those do not listen to Jesus’ words are not protected from the storm at all, leaving themselves quite vulnerable to its annihilating power. But take heed—merely listening to Jesus’ words does not protect us either! Nope. For Jesus was very clear here. He did not say that everyone who listens to his words would not fall. Which means that those who listen to sermons (those who go to church, for example) are not protected from the storms, and it is likely that their houses (their lives) will fall apart during the force of it. And those who religiously read their Bibles are not protected from their houses (their lives) falling apart due to the storm either. Therefore, hearing about Jesus and reading about Jesus—although good things to do—do not protect us during the storms.
So what does? “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and does them . . .” That’s the secret. Everyone who practices what they hear, who are not just believers in Jesus but who actually are followers of Jesus. Okay. But there’s one more thing we need to ask: what are “these words” of Jesus that we need to practice? They begin in Matthew 5 and end in Matthew 7 with those challenging words about the storm.
“These words” are too complex to summarize but to give you a hint, Jesus begins by saying that if we practice his way of living, we will be “blessed” (happy and content) when we are needy and sad and gentle and humble. We will be “blessed” (happy and content) as we yearn for justice in the world and give mercy to others (even when they don’t deserve it—which is the definition of mercy!). We will be “blessed” (happy and content) when we strive to be pure and look for ways to bring peace in our communities. And he concludes his opening remarks by saying we will be “blessed” (happy and content) when people persecute and insult us.
And that’s just the first eleven verses. (There are 109 verses in this sermon!)
Therefore, we must conclude that following Jesus is not easy. But pay attention here! What Jesus is sharing with us is how to be content and even happy no matter how stormy it gets! This is life-changing news! How is this possible? He laid it all out for us from the beginnings of his ministry. He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”2 And then he said, “Follow me.”3 And as people began to follow, Jesus constantly reminded them to have faith in God and not be afraid.
The conclusion of the matter? Storms will cause damage regardless of how protected we are. But listening to Jesus and practicing his words will give us his strength to remain happy and content (“blessed”) even as we lament over our losses. How? Because our lives have “been founded on the rock.” Our foundation is secure.
We need not be surprised about the storms that come. Jesus warned us, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”2 How does that help us? If we trust in Jesus, he gives us his strength to “overcome (to conquer, to defeat, and to stand up against) the world.” But how strong can we be, really? It all depends on how much we practice what Jesus preaches. And if we do that, we “will be like a wise man” and survive the storms!
1Matthew 7:24-27 2Matthew 4:17 3Matthew 4:19 4John 16:33
