Children’s Sermon

Matthew 7:21-29

Building a Strong Foundation

By Lois Parker Edstrom

See a picture of lighthouse

A lighthouse is a tall structure that looks like a tower with a large light at the top. It is always built near an ocean or large lake. The lighthouse is a guide for those who are sailing ships out on the water. Its light flashes on and off in a certain pattern to help sailors find their location and a lighthouse may also warn of rocks that could damage the ships.

The lighthouse must be built with a strong foundation to weather severe storms; high winds and waves that may crash ashore. Many lighthouses are built upon rocks.

What do you think would happen if a lighthouse was built on sand? Yes, it might topple over or even be washed away by the winds and waves of a storm.

Jesus teaches us that we need to build our lives on a firm foundation. He said, “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock” (7:24-25).

We all experience difficult times. You may have become angry or sad, because someone hurt you. Or, you may have experienced things that cause you to worry. Jesus teaches that his words of love will keep you steady during those difficult times. When we study the Bible and learn about God’s love, we are building a strong foundation for our lives. You can be like a lighthouse built on rock!

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2008, Richard Niell Donovan