| PENTECOST VI June 30, 2024 “The Rain Fell, and the Floods Came” “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” (Matthew 7:24-27) The rain has been falling, fierce winds blowing, and rivers rising as the endless news cycles have been broadcasting into our homes during the past few weeks. We’ve watched in disbelief as roads, bridges and dams are washed out, and homes have their foundations ripped out from under them. The images of tornado-destroyed towns, with structures reduced to unrecognizable piles of rubble and dazed residents trying to be grateful simply to have survived are heartbreaking. We know very well that we have no guarantee of safety from these forces of nature, and that we’re as vulnerable as any community. Those who were living in this area in 2008 remember vividly the Cedar River flood, when a previously unheard-of volume of water roared into the heart of the city. Destruction was widespread, and many stories emerged of volunteers sandbagging to save the last water pump, going out in boats to rescue stranded people and their pets, and providing food and supplies to those displaced by the high water. In the midst of loss and destruction, people cared for their neighbors, in an exceptional demonstration of faith in action. As Jesus describes the house on a sandy foundation, which slips, slides, and collapses in the face of the storm, he compares it to a shallow, inactive faith, which is unable to withstand the storms of life. Those who are blessed to hear the Good News of Jesus and do not act on it are living in precarious circumstances. In contrast, the house on the solid, rocky base standing strong and sturdy is the epitome of foundational strength. Although the wind and rain blow and beat against the structure, it stands on the unshakable, indestructible rock. Those who share the message of Christ and live according to his teachings are strengthened in faith and ability to care for those in need. This foundation is built on the rock that is our risen Savior, God’s own Son, and it will not crumble or wash away, but will stand firm through all the storms of life. A remarkable gift, faith is not because of our own efforts, but through the grace of our generous, loving heavenly Father. As Martin Luther faced danger and controversy, the words of the Psalmist assured him: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” (Psalm 46:1-3) Secure in the foundation of our faith, Your friend in Christ, Mary Rogers My Hope is Built on Nothing Less https://youtu.be/Cmm1s4Ipc4M?si=cLLpOMS6rzsQVS6d I Know Who Holds Tomorrow https://youtu.be/4GKNbmYOAow?si=OCjufRzy3L3RVSUR |
Weekly Devotion – June 30, 2024
2024-07-01