Witness: Community Built on Jesus' Words - Anabaptist (Matthew 7:24-27)

Imagine a small town in Pennsylvania, nestled among the rolling hills and lush fields of the Amish community. As the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the dew-kissed pastures, the clanging of metal tools and the rhythmic clip-clop of horse hooves fill the air. Here, life unfolds at a different pace—one characterized by simplicity, commitment, and foundational belief.

In this community, where tradition is honored and Jesus’ teachings are not just admired but actively lived, you witness an unwavering resilience. As storms of modernity and persecution have swept through their lives, these faithful people have stood firm, like a sturdy barn built on a solid rock foundation. They take Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:24-27 to heart, choosing to literally obey the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.

Picture Daniel, a local farmer, as he gathers with neighbors late in the afternoon. They come together not just to harvest crops but to support one another, embodying the agape love—selfless, unconditional—that Jesus taught. The scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the air as they share meals, stories, and laughter, building bonds that weather any storm. When tragedy strikes, as it inevitably does, they rally together, providing mutual aid and encouragement, their trust in Christ’s commands fortifying their spirits.

This community thrives not because they escape life's challenges but because they are anchored in the profound simplicity of Jesus’ words. They understand that literal obedience to His teachings—living out principles of nonviolence, generosity, and grace—creates a foundation sturdy enough to withstand the fiercest tempests.

As we lean into our own community, let us ask: What would it look like for us to build on this same rock? How might our lives reflect the teachings of Jesus, creating a refuge where hope, peace, and trust flourish? Let us commit ourselves to not just hear His words but to live them, constructing a community that stands tall against the storms of life.