Read Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
Advent is a time of expectation. Without trust, there can be no expectation. Isaiah says anyone whose mind is stayed on God will be kept in perfect peace. To trust is to be at peace. If you are restless and not at peace, it is a sign that you have yet to surrender your affairs entirely to God, or perhaps you do not trust God.
At Christmas, we celebrate that God took our human nature and became flesh, showing us the extent He is willing to go to solve our problems. If God could do this, why do we still struggle to trust Him completely? Bear this in mind: human beings will always disappoint you because they cannot do things only God can do.
Many of us claim to trust God, but our actions betray this trust. Actions speak louder than words. If we trust God, our actions will show it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told us: “It is not those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” If we trust God, we will obey Him.
While Isaiah uses the word “rock” to describe the unshakable nature of God, Jesus uses the word “rock” to illustrate how unshakable we become when we obey His word. There is a correlation between trusting in God (the everlasting Rock) and having peace of mind (becoming like a Rock). Jesus says, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.”
To build on Rock is to withstand the trials and difficulties of life; it is to remain unshaken no matter how bad things appear. To build on Rock is to live above fear. Hence, the Psalmist says, “In God alone be at rest, my soul, for my hope is in him” (Psalm 62:1 & 5).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to trust in you and nothing else. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Ambrose, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu