The Cornerstone

1 Peter 2:7  To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner," 8  and "A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10  Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11  Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. 12  Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.

The foundations for the new building are being prepared. There are stone masons on site, who are choosing the foundation stones. Because these stones anchor the whole building, the selection process is critical. Some stones are put in place, others are tossed aside. One of their rejects lies on the edge of the site, and from time to time the busy builders curse it as they trip over it.

Finally the foundations are ready – except for one thing: the masons have not found a perfect fit for the cornerstone. This is the most important stone in the building, as it anchors the whole building.  And then they remember the rock “that makes them fall”. On fetching it, it is obvious that this was The One.  "The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner" This building is now secure.

As you build your ideas, your career, and your relationships – do you have a foundation stone that will keep you securely grounded? I have found stability in building my life on the values of Jesus. 

Thought:

Build on the Rock, the Rock that ever stands,
Oh, build on the Rock, and not upon the sands;
You need not fear the storm, or the earthquake shock,
You're safe for evermore if you build on the Rock.

The Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

Unchanging Truths

The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 90.

This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.