This well-known story is based on the reality of extreme weather which continues to devastate many parts of the world. Everybody needs shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow and flood: that is why dwellings of different types are built. The architects, engineers and construction workers choose a design they think will meet the job specification, and be safe for a long time.

Of course, no building is ultimately 100% safe: floods, mudslides, hurricanes, sink-holes, avalanches, subsidence, coastal erosion, lightning strikes, earthquakes, tsunamis and the barbarity of war may all overwhelm the finest building. After reading that list it may not be comforting to know that although buildings are designed to withstand the worst stresses that are likely (in the experience of the experts); a stronger force may still reduce the house to rubble.

Jesus said that people who build their lives on what He says, are 'safer than houses'. Whatever trouble life may throw at Gods children, their faith will withstand every test because they are built on the Rock - who is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:3-4). The only way to build on Him is to hear, trust and obey what He says: after that it is up to Him to keep us secure. Listening to Jesus and obeying him is the essence of wisdom. Anything else is the essence of foolishness, which will always result in personal structural failure.

This parable is directed at everyone who hears/reads it. So that includes you! The message is not about how to recover from a structural collapse, but how to prevent one (or the next one!). More importantly it is about your eternal security. However strong we think we are, we are weak. Living without Jesus is the prelude to disaster in this life and the next. Hearing God's Word, but failing to obey is just as bad. By contrast, when we are eager to do what the Lord commands we become secure because Jesus is our Rock. So find one instruction which Jesus has given and choose to practice it today!