“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24, TLV

What is the “therefore” there for? It’s a biggie. It’s about listening and doing. From verse one that speaks of judging others, to watching what we sow into, to seeking our Heavenly Father for our needs, to cautioning that this faith journey is narrow and difficult, to discerning false prophets. And we aren’t even talking about chapters 5 and 6!

Jesus set the bar for His Father’s children. Will we ever measure up to the Son’s standards? Of course not. Because we are who are are, flesh. But, does that mean we don’t listen and do the best we can? Of course not.

But when the kindness of God our Savior
    and His love for mankind appeared—
not by deeds of righteousness
    which we had done ourselves,
but because of His mercy—
    He saved us through the mikveh [immersion] of
    rebirth
and renewing of the Ruach ha-Kodesh [Holy Spirit],
whom He abundantly poured out on us
through Messiah Yeshua our Savior,
so that being set right by His grace,
we might become heirs
    with the confident hope of eternal life! Titus 3:4-7, TLV [Emphasis Mine]

As we discussed yesterday, we do what the Father’s commands as best we can because of love and gratitude. Jesus demonstrated that perfect love by shedding His blood to atone (cover) our sins. He did this freely so that we could be free from the penalties of our sin.

So, we listen and we do. And our faith will be built on a rock that cannot be shaken. No matter what happens, no matter how scary, no matter how we mess up with our good intentions, hold firm and fast to the Rock of our Salvation.