During free time at a conference in Chicago, Illinois, a group of us toured the Sears Tower, now renamed the Willis Tower. This 1450-foot skyscraper has 110 stories, at one time the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Up on the observation deck, a model structure explained the massive construction. Although not visible, the tower’s strong foundation makes it possible to withstand the strong winds in Chicago. The 100-foot cement foundation also includes embedded cylinders for added strength. This is indeed a strong foundation.
Bill Mansell, a life coach, recorded on video his impression of the Sears Tower. He made application to our lives—that we need character-building values for a strong foundation to support our daily lives. I’m reminded of Jesus’ story about houses built on either rock or sand. (See Luke 6:46-49.) Only those houses built on a strong foundation will withstand the winds of change in our lives. All other support is sand. Since Christ is the foundation of faith, we have hope in no other.
We have a sure hope in the foundation of Christ’s “precious blood” (1 Peter 1:19). We are born anew by the imperishable seed “through the living and enduring word of God” (v. 23). That is the sure foundation of our hope. Praise Jesus!
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come. Be thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal home! –Isaac Watts
The Rock is Jesus. Build life on His firm foundation.
–The major part of this was first published in Opening the Word, Herald and Banner Press, Saturday, April 6, 2019, based on 1 Peter 1:17-21
Ann Coker 