Alongsiding

“As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice … they are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” - Luke 6:47-48

Last Sunday I preached from this passage, alongside 1 Peter 4:12-19, about the importance of building with solid foundations so that we can endure the storms of life that come our way. Peter’s audience experienced not only the random difficulties of life (such as illness, job loss, dysfunctional relationships, economic challenges etc), and not only the difficulty of temptations and trials, but also the added dynamic of persecution and mistreatment for their faith - something that isn’t such an issue for us in New Zealand. (Yet.)

Now, of course, it’s much easier to build during fine weather. When the rain isn’t falling and the wind isn’t blowing, it’s the perfect time to dig down deep and lay one’s foundation upon the rock of God’s Word. It’s significantly more challenging to build in the midst of a storm! It’s not a good idea to wait until the chaos descends to begin sorting out your faith, or relationship with God. But so many people do exactly that. And for those whose foundations are secure, built in the calm of favourable weather, it can be tempting to judge those who find themselves foundering in the torrent, due to insufficient foundations.

But what if God had done that? Original sin condemned us to the greatest storm humanity will ever know - unrighteousness and separation from God! Imagine if God left us to it and said, “Well, you had the chance and you blew it. This is on you!” Romans 5:8 annihilates that notion: “God shows His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

At the end of 1 Peter 4, he gave 2 simple instructions to suffering believers: firstly, commit yourselves to your faithful Creator, and secondly, continue to do good. Coupled with Paul’s similar imperative in Galatians 6 (do good to all, especially those of the household of faith), I think the message is clear. If you have a good foundation when the storm hits, then step out your front door and go find someone who doesn’t.

Pray for them. Support them. Walk the dark valley with them. Let them borrow your faith and shelter in your trust. Show your love for them in this: while the storm rages, run through the rain and wind to their side. It’s what Jesus would do. In fact, it’s what Jesus does… through us!

- Ps. Nigel