My New Testament reading this morning was chapter 7 in the book of Matthew. Within this chapter are subchapters: “ Be Careful About Judging Others,’ ‘Ask God for What You Need,’ ‘The Most Important Rule,’ ‘The Way to Heaven is Hard,’ ‘People Know You By Your Actions,’ and ‘Two Kinds of People.”
This morning I wish to address the “Two Kinds of People.” As I was reading I was reminded of the childhood fable about the three little pigs. You probably haven’t heard the tale In awhile, so I will share my version of the story. As you remember, the story begins with a mother telling her three sons she could no longer afford to feed them; they were of age to make their way in the world. So, out of the nest, they went.
The first brother didn’t want to be bothered with the chore of building a house. He was very lazy and really wanted to go read his book under that old shade tree, so he found some straw, threw some string around it and called it good. Grabbing his blanket, pillow and book away he went! Phew, Done!
The second brother, as we know, was a bit more responsible, so he knew he had to do better than the grass hut his little brother built, but all his buddies were gathering at the water hole this afternoon, and he didn’t want to miss the fun. So he gave it a little thought and decided wood was pretty strong, much stronger then straw and he’d use a nail or two instead of string. A lean to here and a lean there, add a nail here and a couple there. Looks great, didn’t take long, the boys are still there I can hear their laughter and jokes. Off to the party! Bye!
The third brother and I’m going to assume the oldest brother. He too, enjoyed reading under the old oak tree, and he also enjoyed time spent with his friends but also knew if he took his time, did a good job he’d only have to build his house once and if he used bricks and cement his house would stand strong against any storm. But this would require much hard work and time but in the end it would be so worth it. So he mixed mortar and cement and stacked brick after brick, all day long.
So while his younger brothers napped and partied and teased their big brother for being boring, we know how this story ends. The next storm that hit sent straw and twigs flying everywhere, leaving the two lazy, unprepared brothers knocking on the door of their big brothers’ house. The house made of Rock!!!
Matthew 7:24-27 NCV “Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house and it fell with a big crash.”
There are two kinds of people! Which one are you? Where is your house standing? Set your feet firmly on the Rock, Our Lord Jesus Christ, stop the shifting sand. In the days to come I fear many storms and winds of change. Now is not the time to bind your home with string.
Be blessed today, be a blessing today and thank you for joining me as always. 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 