And the Rain Fell, 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)
Throughout Eastern Iowa, and especially here in Cedar Rapids, this past week has been one of reflection and remembrance. Ten years ago, the waters of the Cedar River reached the highest levels ever recorded. Accounts of the losses, the damage, and the heartbreak have been numerous, as those directly affected by this disaster recall their experiences. The coming together as a community, as well as the support and helping hands offered by friends, neighbors, and strangers are another part of the story, helping to balance the despair and shock of those who lost everything. There are those who continue to struggle, and we are reminded to care for them with patience and understanding.
The homes, businesses and other structures of Cedar Rapids didn’t wash away because they were built on sand, as the foolish man did in Jesus’ parable. Poor judgment and foolishness had nothing to do with which areas flooded. The roaring power of a previously unheard-of volume of river water did that. However, as we hear these words illustrating a storm and a flood, vivid memories return of the relentlessly rising water and the destruction it brought.
Jesus provides a lesson for his listeners, who understand the description of the house on the sand which slips, slides, and collapses in the face of the storm. In contrast, the house on the solid, rocky base standing strong and sturdy completes the illustration. Shallow faith makes for an unstable foundation, and Jesus makes it very clear that sitting around thinking kind thoughts doesn’t get the job done. The Flood of 2008 provided terrific examples of faith combined with action. Able-bodied people from throughout the area, followed by volunteers from considerable distances away, arrived ready to provide help in any and every way needed.
Our houses of faith are built on the rock that is our risen Savior, God’s own Son. This foundation will not crumble or wash away, but will stand firm through all the storms of life. Throughout all time, God’s people have known that God was the solid rock on which they could depend. Psalm 19 thanks and praises God for the beauty of creation, and then closes with:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (v. 14)
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers