As I did my bible study this morning, I recalled the need for a firm foundation. The foundation is the basis on which everything else is built. If the foundation isn’t’ firm, everything on top crumbles. To put this in perspective, I remember an episode on HGTV where contractors were remodeling a basement. They removed the old tile only to discover a crack that spanned the width of the floor. They knew they couldn’t continue with the remodel without addressing the foundation. Therefore, they brought in the experts to assess the extent of the damage and repair the foundation. With a firm foundation, the renovation continued. The same goes for our lives, physically and spiritually. Therefore, a firm foundation enables us to stand strong despite what comes our way.
The Story: John 9
In John 9, the chapter speaks of a man born blind. Jesus saw the man and healed him on the Sabbath. When people saw the man, they questioned him because they knew he was once blind. Because of the commotion, the Pharisees also questioned the man about the Sabbath day miracle. The man simply stated that all he knew was that he was once blind but now he can see. Unfortunately, his response displeased the religious leaders. The inquisition continued to his parents, who feared the leaders and deferred the matter to their son.
The Pharisees returned the former blind man. This time the man stated that Jesus was a prophet. His response displeased the leaders so they cast him out in John 9:34. Although they rejected him, Jesus found him again. He learned who Jesus was, believed, and worshipped Him.
The Lesson
Although the man didn’t know Jesus in the beginning, he knew from whence he came. He possessed a firm foundation of his miraculous healing. He knew he was once blind, but now he could see. Although people and religious leaders doubted his new state, he possessed certainty. His parents didn’t stand to support him, but he stood firm on what happened. As a result, his firm foundation of truth created ostracism by the world but security in Jesus.
How firm is our foundation? Are we easily moved by the opinions and posts of people? Do we shake and tremble at the thought of someone not agreeing with us? Where’s our foundation?
Matthew 7:24-27 advises what happens based on the type of foundation we have. With a solid foundation, we can withstand strong winds, rain, and floods. However, a weak foundation of sand crumbles every time. Without a firm foundation, we’ll be moved by every wind of doctrine. This also applies to our morals and values. A weak foundation will have us participating in activities that one wouldn’t normally do. Therefore, let’s follow Matthew 5:37 and let our yes be yes and our no be no.
Therefore, take time to evaluate your foundation. Winds are coming and you want to be found standing when the dust settles.
