There are so Many Fires

Scripture: For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Observation: In discussing the issues of the church in Corinth, Paul breaks down the various teaching using a building metaphor. The interpretation is pretty simple. Paul at first laid the "foundation" that is faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Now all other "teaching" about Christian life is built upon that truth. Some of that teaching may be durable and strong, and some may even be of great value, and some ... may not be. Make no mistake, there will be trails - fire - and those buildings will be tested. The outcome of the constructed building will be based on how they are built. Some may burn. If you house burns, that is a loss for you, however there remains hope because the foundation cannot be burned, and thus believers will remain saved in Christ.

Application: Wow, our society is on fire right now, and it is heartbreaking to see whose homes are built with hay and straw.

My heart is breaking over and over again every day for my friends. I am aware of the pain they are feeling about the lost faith and resulting actions of their children. They are sad, even as they themselves are not sure how to respond out of their own faith. Metaphorically, their homes are charred and may even be smoldering themselves, while they see their sons and daughters as now just piles of ash.

The question is ... did they have the foundation? If so, then yes they have experienced loss as Paul says, but they will still be saved. And this is the concern in the end, that the children's foundation actually existed in the first place. Sincerely, this is a very real concern, because I believe my friends would say 'yes', though I feel there is very real evidence to doubt that.

If yes, the foundations are real, then they are undamaged by the fire and we can all receive comfort. The losses - the current situations and behaviors of so many young people - still hurt. I am seeking hope.

Prayer: Lord, I do not even know how to come to you for prayer in this matter anymore. The fire is far too big to even fathom. This isn't about individual homes anymore, but the entire city that is our youth is burned to the ground, totally destroyed. The only hope is that foundations exist, and that some can rebuild. The disaster is all so overwhelming, Lord, and it is because of this that I know you are the only hope, for there is no possible solution or action that can be taken without your greatness. Please, Lord, expel the fire. Please, Lord, rebuild the homes and with sturdier, more valuable materials than before. And where builders are needed, please give us the tools we need to build. Amen.