A Castle beside the Drain
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Matthew 7:24-25 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Isaac built a sandcastle beside the garden drain. It had tall towers and a gate made from sticks. His sister chose a higher patch of firm ground for her small fort.
When Dad watered the garden, a little stream ran toward the drain. Isaac watched the bottom of his castle soften. One tower leaned, and then the wall fell. His sister's fort stayed where it was.
Dad helped Isaac choose a stronger place to build again. Jesus told about two houses to teach the importance of hearing and obeying His words. Beautiful walls were not enough when the storm came. Isaac's toy castle could be rebuilt in a few minutes. His choices mattered more. Listening to the Lord and doing what He says gives a life the foundation it needs.
A small step for today
Hearing a good instruction helps when you follow it. Jesus compared hearing and doing His words to building on a strong foundation. Read His teaching and put it into practice. Tell the truth and treat others with care. Trouble can still come, just as the storm came to the house. His words give a sure foundation through it.
For the grown-up reading along
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount by contrasting hearing and obeying His sayings with hearing and disregarding them. Both houses face a storm; the foundation makes the difference.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Matthew 7 in the King James Bible.