"I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house." (Luke 6:47-49)
As I looked at this scripture two things occurred to me. The first was the generally this text ends up in people's minds as saying that we ought to read the bible more and stand on God's word - that God's word is the firm foundation. I have nothing against God's word... I stake my life on it after all. But merely reading it doesn't provide faith that holds you firm amidst the maelstroms of life. Building a good foundation is about building a whole life and community and faith that holds you fast against the hardship of life. And one thing I know - you cannot do that after the flood waters have already started. You have to set down the foundations in the good times, or at least the quieter times, in order to have that foundation to rest upon when the storms begin again.
So that brings me to my second observation... there are people who can speak to this text with stronger voice then myself. And to that end I've asked Carol to reflect a bit about what she saw in Haiti during her recent trip down there with the team from Palms.
Among all the things we saw and experienced on our recent trip to Haiti post earthquake, the most significant to me has been the faith of the people. Long ago the witness to the grace and hope of Jesus Christ was acted on in the lives of the people of Cite Soleil, Blanchard, and Repatriot. In the tragedy they have experienced it has sustained and carried them - a foundation on the solid rock of knowing Jesus Christ. What a witness! In a conversation with our interpreter, Cola, he told us that again and again they experience disaster - economic, disease, hurricane, and now earthquake - but each time God gives them a new vision. Their faith is so strong, so trusting, so tangible. Thousands fill the churches rejoicing and giving thanks. Sure, they lament. They cry out to God from deep pain and anguish but they do not give up on the relationship. They know God is present with them, listening, giving them strength and courage for the day. They are rock foundations in a country that is currently shaking beneath them. They stand solid in their faith. It does not waiver or tremor. We held hands and prayed together. Creole and English prayers were spoken from deep inside each of us.
"I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built."
In the past I have worked with and watched the Haitians build a church, a school complex and now have seen them at work repairing those buildings. They work tirelessly and with great joy. As concrete blocks are carried and put in place, as trenches are dug for walls, as sides of buildings damaged in the quake are repaired, inside there is worship - singing, prayers being offered, Biblical teaching. The voices of children are heard singing some of the very songs we sing at the Sunset Service. When the earthquake burst against the walls of life for the people with whom we serve God in ministry in Haiti, their lives did not fall apart...there was ruin, but their faithfulness withstood the force. I can show you someone in Haiti who came to Christ, heard His words, and acted on them in powerful ways.
How are you digging deep in your life and laying a foundation on rock?
Are you placing your trust in God in ways that is not shaken when the world crumbles?
Can you truly open yourself to celebrate the joy of God's promises and hope that is our rock?
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God our Rock, Guide us in the work of digging deeply in our lives.
Help us to shore up our foundations with strong community, trust in your presence, and have hope and joy in the shared ministry we have with you.
Let us come, hear, and act. Amen
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