Founded on the Rock

I am privileged to live in a city that protects and restores historical buildings and sites.

After a long workday, I treated myself by visiting the rooftop of one such building. The rooftop offers a spectacular view of the downtown skyline and river. I captured the moment with pictures of the serene view. As I turned to leave, I noticed a section of the building with bricked-up windows. The building aesthetics were intriguing. I wanted to know more about this restored building.

I learned that the six-story building was constructed in 1874 and would become home to the Berkey and Gay furniture factory. Over the years, the furniture company weathered slow sales, mergers, employee strikes, and bankruptcy before closing its doors in 1948. Despite the business failings, the 150-year-old structure still stands! Designated a historic site in 2000, it underwent significant renovations and is now home to apartments, condos, office spaces, a gym, and a restaurant.

The more I researched this century-and-a-half structure, the importance of a strong foundation and expert craftsmanship resonated with me, which led me to  Matthew 7:24-26. In these verses, Jesus used the parable of two foundations to teach the crowd that one foundation would stand the test of time, whereas the other would crumble under pressure. Let’s visit verses 24-25.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.”

In life, we will encounter financial hardship and relationship struggles. Doesn’t that sound similar to the furniture company’s operational struggles? Even though the furniture company closed its doors, the building’s foundation has stood the test of time. Foundations matter. Jesus is the rock on which we must build our house. When we follow His teachings, we will stand the test of time no matter what hardships come our way.

May God keep you and bless you,

Tika