Mission Possible – Ensure Safe and Affordable Housing: And Then on Earth?

Key Verse

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.“

Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

Short Reflection

The teachings of Jesus, especially in His famous Sermon on the Mount, were amazing. But the closing was more a warning than focusing only on teaching – He warned all who hear His Words to put them into practice.

Jesus was clear. He didn’t stop by talking only about doing His words, He even showed the difference between those who practically do them and those who don’t. Some are likened to wise builders and others to foolish builders and their final results are respectively compared to safe housing and unsafe housing.

Remember the houses Jesus was talking about are not the four-wall-houses. He metaphorically referred to our whole lives. But His truths can even be seen physically. There are many people in our surroundings who are threatened by poverty and living in unsafe houses and that blinds them from seeing themselves as members of the Kingdom of God.

Have you ever been homeless or lived in unsafe housing? Or have you seen someone in such a situation? How was your feeling or how was he/she feeling? Maybe you didn’t face it, but I can testify it is always uncomfortable. When I was in such a situation, I was needy for a safe house, and I was taught that in heaven there is a beautiful house for me. Then I had a crazy question for myself, “and then on earth?” I’m sure there may be others at large who have the same question today, and when we are living in well-built houses, it can be easy to forget them. But, we are invited to put His words into practice—whether it is through our time, our prayers, or giving.

Is it possible to put Jesus’ words into practice? I absolutely answer with a ‘YES’. Some words or obligations from human beings seem difficult or impossible for us to put into application, but the words of Jesus are always doable. His disciples did practice one of many things they were taught, selflessness, in Acts 2:45: “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” What will make Jesus smile is to see His people dwelling in a peaceful habitation, in a sure dwelling, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18), and the materially poor living in the adequacy of their needs. Lord Jesus, help us put Your words into practice, and Father, glow in our hearts to reflect Your gracious love to others in need.

This is the third in the “Ensure Safe and Affordable Housing” series of blog posts on our Journey to Palpable Kingdom Presence and has been prepared by Evariste Macumi, a PEER Servants volunteer from Bujumbura, Burundi.