Building on something substantial does not mean the rock is a diamond ring. Or any ring. Jesus meant that in a metaphorical example to build our faith on something substantial.

Matthew 16:18 says: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (this describes a personal application that a human would be the start of a “church” designated by the Lord, Himself.)

Matthew 7:24-27 says: “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. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Matthew 27:51 says: “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent….”

If the Lord can cause earthquakes, and massive landslides and volcanic eruptions like Mt. St. Helens in 1980, why would He tell us that it is wise to build a house on a rock? He can make any strata unstable, so why the story? In context the parable-like example is the contrast, not the exact material. Sand is rock, too. But sand can liquify under vibration, as seen in the 1989 San Fransisco earthquake. SOLID rock is the key!

If we build our lives on a solid “foundation”, there is to be strength and longevity associated with that life. But if there is instability in what is built on, there is heartbreak, disappointment, and suffering resulting. Jesus is saying that “He” is the ultimate rock to build upon.

If you build a life, build it on faith and His power to oversee it. If you build a business; build it on trust, honesty, integrity, profitability, and generosity. If you want to build a relationship, build it on intimacy, vulnerability, fidelity, truth, sharing, and creating thirst for Biblical understanding.

When a person considers building upon a “rock”, remember there is always a bigger “physical” rock. That’s why Jesus lets us know that HE is the ultimate Rock.

“Lord, help us to fully appreciate who You really are as our foundation in faith! Help us see the structural necessity to accept You as the One to build upon! Not only that, but help us to point others in the direction of other firm foundations in You! Help us warn them about the fallacy in only financials, prestige, fame, notoriety, errant education, and possessions. Lord, help us appreciate what You did for us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”