BUILDING STONES
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5, ESV
Theme: You are chosen, precious, holy. Your life can be a pleasing sacrifice to God.
RIVER ROCKS
I found river rocks at the bottom of a canyon in Pipestem State Park, WV. Water’s edge is filled with fist-size, smooth stones. I remember riding the gondola from the top of the canyon rim to the deepest place and wading into the cool water filled with stones. Those stones didn’t form a building. They weren’t made of a precious mineral; however, they were unique, clustered together, and beautiful.
When I find a bed full of round rocks of various sizes, I slip off my shoes and wade in. I collect them, place them in my yard, pile them up in heaps, line them in patterns, or paint them. I like their worn smooth surface. I enjoy holding them in my palm, heavy and cool.
STONES
Stones are scattered throughout the Bible. They build alters, monuments (Genesis 31:45), paved roads (Jeremiah 43:9), and temples (1 Kings 5:18). Stones kill giants (1 Samuel 14:49) and they close and seal tombs (John 11:38). Stones, when thrown, batter and kill martyrs (Acts 7:59) and sinners (Deuteronomy 17:5) alike. It may look like just a rock, but every stone is a part of a bigger story. Stones may be cast aside. They may have rough edges, sediment crust, or be buried underground. Stones don’t have grand plans all on their own. They don’t appear valuable. Yet, when many are used together, shaped by a master builder, bound together, and crafted into a structure, over time - the result can be breathtaking.
THE CORNERSTONE
A cornerstone is architecturally important for two reasons: it is the first stone laid when building, and it helps orient the direction of the building and all the other stones. Jesus was betrayed, rejected, and crucified by men. This rejection continues to this day. Many people reject Jesus, but God builds His Church through Him alone, yet with us as members and participants. “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone” (Acts 4:11, ESV).
When Jesus died for our sins, He tore down the old temple and started construction on the new “temple.” He started that construction by laying Himself down as an offering. Jesus is the first stone, the Cornerstone. We are invited to lay our lives down next to His in order to build something greater.
BUILT INTO THE TEMPLE
Before Jesus, the temple protected unholy people from the powerful and consuming presence of a holy God, while it also brought God close among them. Only by His perfect spotless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection can we be made holy and justified. The cornerstone doesn’t just hold up or provide direction for the rest of the stones. The cornerstone makes every stone acceptable as a part of the holy place where God resides. You become part of His temple when you accept Jesus’ leadership and follow His example. Jesus is the Cornerstone. When we allow God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, we are His temple, also.
Make It Personal: Today, consider your life. You are precious and valuable. You may be a “big stone” or a “small pebble” but you are indispensable and useful for building up the Church of God. I pray you see yourself as an important part of the temple of God. I urge you to lay your life down beside the Cornerstone, as a pleasing, holy sacrifice. In that way, you will gain life that is truly life!
Pray: Lord thank You for creating me with value and purpose. Help me to remember how much You love me. I don’t always feel worthy of love or acceptance. Thank You for choosing and loving me. I give You my life and trust You to care for me through it. Help me to build my life on Jesus the Cornerstone. Help me to be part of Your temple starting now and continuing forever.
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22