Foundations

Isn't it amazing to see construction in motion? The work that goes into not only planning a task of building, but the unity and the communication of each individual group or company working together is astonishing. Often times we see time lapse videos of how things are built over time and how long it takes. We marvel at the sped up motions of hundreds of workers putting up walls, concrete, steel beams, and roofs. Details are added last to accent the structure and make it stand out to those who will see it. Sometimes engraving, paint, landscaping, parking lots, lights and anything else the designer or project manager has put in the finished product design is added.

Stadiums, sky scrapers, apartments, homes and businesses all go up in time but before anything is ever done to the, “building up,” often times the existing land has to be cleared. Some things must be taken down, destroyed, scrapped away, and pulled off. In my experience, things have been demolished to allow for space, or new things. It is a fascinating site to see buildings implode for new things to come about. Today, in your state of mind, I ask that you think of the foundations laid out before you, your own structure.

Jesus gives us a story similar to the idea of foundations. Where are “you” grounded? I’m sure we have all heard the parable, “house built on firm foundations stand, and house built on weak foundation crumbles.” The implications to this passage in Mathew chapter 7 are very important when we think about how we are to live our lives. The symbolism of the rock, a safe place, firm and not shaky, gives us confidence to know that when things happen, the rock is strong enough to not crumble. However, sand is not as strong. If you have been to the beach, let me tell you something, sand is not very easy to build on. Water normally washes whatever attempt to build away because grains of sand are easily broken apart.

Another thing that comes to mind when thinking of foundations is Jesus. All buildings have a “cornerstone” that sets it all in place. It is the most important piece. Christ is the place and foundation of which everything else comes from. Paul gives us a look into the supremacy of Christ in Colossians 1. That, “in him, all things hold together, and everything was created through him and for him.” As foundations around us are torn down and raised up, we can see that in order for things to be built, most things also have to be excavated. This example holds true, in just about every case. In order to build up, you must tear down and clear out the rubble. Construction does not and cannot happen, if the place where the contractors want to build is already occupied by other buildings or debris. They must dig down deep, and remove any possibilities of a faulty foundation to ensure the safety of the structure.

Jesus too, was a foundation on Earth and remains the stronghold of those who believe in him. The destroyed connection of God and Man needed a foundation overhaul. It is important to remember, Jesus was not a second construction. He was always part of the original design. Jesus was not only the paver of the road to God; he was beaten, slashed, mocked, and for all purposes, dug into by the sins of this world. He hung on a cross to clear the foundation for us. So that IN HIM, we find new life. Without a tilled, excavated piece of land, no one can build on it. Jesus is the foundation for us.

So what are your foundations? Do you trust God with the foundation he has excavated for you? Jesus death was not in vain. It had a purpose. God had a plan. That in the demolition of one man, all would be free. This solid ground we now stand on for those who are in the Lambs book of Life, it’s as if God himself took his finger, in the perfectly laid concrete, and wrote your name down.

Where is your foundation today? Is it shaking because some things are eroding? Are you given God the glory he is due, because of Christ work on the cross. The foundation is simple, the concept is hard. It’s a faith walk to trust in a foundation that is merely laid out in a book. Today I tell you, the Bible, a book of plan, design, and story, had the best contractor, who laid the perfect foundation for all who believe in it, to live in security of His name, not a faulty foundation.