CORNER / REJECTED STONE
Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone
The concept of Jesus as the cornerstone is a profound metaphor used throughout Scripture to illustrate His foundational role in God’s plan of salvation and the building of His church. This imagery draws from ancient construction practices, where the cornerstone was essential for the stability and alignment of the entire structure.
The Significance of the Cornerstone
In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was a large, carefully selected stone placed at the corner of a building’s foundation. It served as:
1. A reference point for alignment
2. A foundation for structural integrity
3. A symbol of the building’s strength and purpose
Old Testament Prophecy
The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah as a cornerstone: “Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, A precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; whoever puts faith in it will not waver” (Isa 28:16). This prophecy points to Jesus as the foundation of God’s redemptive plan, emphasizing His reliability and the security found in faith in Him.
Jesus Fulfills the Prophecy
In the New Testament, we see Jesus fulfilling this prophecy:
1. As the foundation of the Church: “…built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone” (Eph 2:20).
2. As the rejected stone: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Mt 21:42, quoting Ps 118:22).
3. As the only true foundation: “No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:11).
The Rejected Stone Restored
Jesus’ rejection by the religious leaders of His time paradoxically fulfilled His role as the cornerstone. Peter emphasizes this in Acts 4:11-12: “He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’ There is no salvation through anyone else…” This rejection and restoration demonstrate God’s sovereign plan, turning human rejection into the very means of salvation.
Christ Unites Believers
As the cornerstone, Jesus unites diverse groups of believers:
1. Jews and Gentiles
2. Old and New Testament believers
3. People from all nations and backgrounds
Paul describes this unity in Ephesians 2:19-22, emphasizing how Christ holds the entire structure together.
REFLECTION
1. Foundation of Faith: Build your life on Christ as the sure foundation. Let His teachings and example guide all aspects of your life.
2. Alignment: Just as other stones align with the cornerstone, align your values, decisions, and actions with Christ’s teachings.
3. Unity in Christ: Recognize that all believers, regardless of background, are united in Christ. Seek to build bridges and foster unity within the body of Christ.
4. Embrace Rejection: Remember that just as Christ was rejected by some, following Him may lead to rejection by the world. Stand firm in your faith.
5. Living Stones: As Peter writes, we are to be “living stones” (1 Pet 2:5). Allow God to shape you and use you in building His spiritual house.
6. Humility and Service: Emulate Christ’s humility and servant leadership. As the cornerstone submitted to God’s will, so should we in our daily lives.
In conclusion, understanding Jesus as our cornerstone should inspire us to build our lives on Him, align ourselves with His will, and participate in the construction of His church through faithful service and unity with other believers. Let us remember that in Christ, we find our true foundation, purpose, and the strength to stand firm in an ever-changing world.