The Stone the Builders Rejected

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.     Edward Mote, circa 1834

Last week I wrote about the "tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;"  and He is Jesus. Wikipedia says the foundation stone is "...the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure." In fact, it is "...the most important part of a building - a crucial part of the foundation that anchors the whole structure." It's no wonder scripture would use this analogy to talk about Christ. Back in the days when Jesus walked the earth the process of building a stone structure began with the search for a suitable cornerstone for the construction. It was selected for its strength, beauty and size. Many stones were deemed inferior and laid aside until they found the stone they wanted. In Matthew 21:42 Jesus is talking to the self-righteous Jewish religious leaders of his time. He makes it clear to them that the kingdom of God will be given to those who respond to the Messiah:"Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.'" The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is compared to the rejection of a stone because it was deemed unfit to be a cornerstone. It was set aside for something else -- for some other use -- just as Jesus was. When Jesus' atonement on the cross is rejected or disregarded, or when it is replaced by good works or another theology, then Jesus becomes a problem for people. For those who deny his deity and refuse to receive him, he becomes a stumbling block. Peter talks about this. So does the apostle Paul in Romans 9:32-33 when he is speaking about Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness but did not attain it: "Because they pursued it not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone.' As it is written: 'See I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall; but the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.'" Friends, we have searched and we have found the precious cornerstone. Christ is the foundation of the church and of every believer. His covenant of grace abides; his mercies are sure; his atonement of love on the cross is complete; and his promises are Amen and Hallelujah. May your Easter week be a glorious celebration of these truths. Greg