Leaving A Mark
By: Pastor Brian Johnson
Standing in the kitchen, I noticed it was starting to rain outside. Questioning where our children were, my wife told me that two were drawing with sidewalk chalk on the driveway. Immediately, my oldest child questioned why they would be doing such a thing. He understood quickly that sidewalk chalk and water pounding the pavement would not work well. The rain will wash it away every time. During COVID-19, our children have spent a lot of time leaving their marks on the driveway, but their creative and detailed work has vanished. It has all been washed away.
At that moment, it was like a lightning bolt of conviction flashed in my mind. The words of Jesus in Matthew 7:24–27 were illuminated. Jesus gives a story of comparison based on those who hear his words and does them versus those who hear his words and disregard them. He spoke of two different builders. The wise man chose to build his house on the rock. The foolish man built his house on the sand. At first glance, each home was built the same except for their foundations. Both homes were standing until the judgment of a storm came to test how solid each home was built. The rain, floods, and winds beat upon both houses. The wise man’s house stood firm. The foolish man’s house fell flat. Jesus added, “And great was the fall of it (Matthew 7:27).”
What can we learn from these two stories? There is a deeper lesson than simply using sidewalk chalk before it rains or making sure your physical house is built on a good foundation. First, we have all spent time on frivolous things in our past that needed washing away (1 Peter 4:1–3). There is nothing wrong with children coloring with sidewalk chalk since it is a fun, expressive experience. Spiritually speaking, however, we have lived in what Solomon declared as, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2).” The Psalmist would describe our standing, “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand (Psalms 130:3).” Unlike fading chalk, my sins were recorded in permanent ink against the Holy God of heaven. No number of floods could wash them away.
Second, if one fails to heed God’s Word, Jesus clearly states that one’s life will not stand the test. He said the test would include whether someone listens and obeys His word. This equates to doing God’s will. John, the beloved disciple, clarifies God’s will for us, writing, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:40).” Jesus would do what no other human being had ever been able to do. He lived a perfectly righteous life. He did not have a past that could bring Him shame. From eternity past, He is the beloved Son of God. Although He would be rejected by the religious leaders, He would become the chief cornerstone (Mark 12:10). The rock would be smitten, and in His death, His blood would create a flowing stream with life-giving power to wash away sin (1 Corinthians 10:4). The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus would provide the bedrock for anyone who wants to have a life that will stand the test. A solid foundation can be secured by turning away from using the faulty building material to believing in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul would agree, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Just like children writing with sidewalk chalk in the rain, we spend much of our time on things that will be washed away. Many of the things we focus on and spend energy doing will not be what matters when this life comes to an end (1 Corinthians 3:12–15). As we begin to return to a new normal, let us be mindful to allow the Word of God to shape our hearts, homes, and houses of worship. Let us not be afraid to ask why we are doing what we are doing and how it will matter in light of eternity. British missionary, C.T. Studd, wrote, “Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat; Only one life. Twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” What kind of mark will we leave behind?
Application:
- No one can afford to live only for the temporary and fail to prepare for eternity. There are some who may spend an entire lifetime using their talents, gifts, and abilities, and in the end, have nothing to show for it from an eternal perspective (Mark 8:36, Luke 16:22–23)
- Jesus Christ has provided a solid foundation and eternal redemption for those who have repented and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15, Hebrews 9:12).
- God’s Word will stand the test of time so build your life upon it (Isaiah 40:7–8, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12).
- We only have one life to live and do not have any time to waste (James 4:14, Eph. 5:16).
- We are called to use all we have for the glory of God. Everything done for Christ with a right heart will last (Matthew 26:6–13).
Written by: Brother Brian Johnson, Pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church (Goodlettsville, TN)
