(Click here to read the passage)

For the first time in hundreds of years, an earthquake struck near our home in the mountains.  These are old mountains (the Appalachians), and, according to a seismologist who visited shortly afterward, “are not supposed to move.”  When the quake struck, it destroyed homes that had sat in place for many decades.  The aftershocks continued for weeks, further rattling already unsettled houses and people.  They came unexpectedly, and made a mess of things.

Jesus warns his listeners that life is like that – catastrophes come unexpectedly and we need to prepare our lives in such a manner that we can survive them.  He gives us one choice.  One.

Ooooh!  That goes against everything we stand for in our modern American culture!  We must have choices – many of them!  Have you ever gone to the grocery store and tried to count the number of different kinds of salad dressings we have available?  One store near my house at one time carried over a hundred different kinds!  The same goes for breakfast cereals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.  We want to be able to choose where we live, what we eat, who we follow on social media, what we do for a living, and even when we die! 

So, when Jesus gives us one choice, it’s no wonder that people get upset.  I’m often surprised that such a limited choice is attacked as prideful or judgmental.  It’s almost as though someone who warns us that there is only one bridge open over a flooded river is trying to lord it over us with the knowledge!  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Sometimes, warnings come from a heart of concern for the danger ahead and its potential effect on those so warned.  Jesus is telling his listeners the truth – that there is really only one way to weather the worst storms of life.  He’s not doing it because he arrogantly demands a monopoly on “rightness.”  He is offering a “port in the storm,” so to speak.  He is offering the best advice possible for people heading for a catastrophe.

It’s important to note that storms and earthquakes come into every life without regard to choice or demand.  They hit every house the same, whether built on bedrock or sand.  They will come.  And they will be terrible.  Jesus is realistic in a refreshing sort of way.  He’s not telling us what we want to hear, but what we need to hear.  Listen to his words, do as he says, and survival will result.  Otherwise, the outcome will be terrible – “complete destruction.”

I guess this begs the question:  Do we look at Jesus’ words as one option among many?  Or do we recognize his words as primary, truth given to save us from utter destruction?  Jesus doesn’t demand a certain choice.  He warns us with vital information to allow us to choose.

That’s why he starts the whole passage with the serious question, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord?”  Is he Lord or not?  Mine?  Yours?  It’s an individual choice.  If we claim him as Lord, it’s time to take his words seriously.  If not, then Jesus is quick to warn us of the consequences.  We cannot think we are following him when we do something – anything! – else.  Destruction stalks every other pathway.

What is your choice?