Lively Stones
Today's Verse:
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ~1 Peter 2:5
Many years ago, a company came up with a Christmas promotional for selling what they dubbed as “pet rocks.” These rocks that were hyped as pets that required very little maintenance. They were promoted as rocks that could be treated as “living.” Eventually, this idea was short-lived and died out within a few months. This morning, we want to consider true living stones: what happens to every person when they place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.
We see a transformational power.
“Ye also, as lively stones....” Peter reminds us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of every believer. He is the Rock upon which we stand. When a sinner believes on Jesus as his Savior, he is transformed from the inside out. We become living stones. Instead of being lifeless and dead, we are made alive in Christ. When this happens, we are added to a house that is already in existence, spiritually speaking. The idea of a living stone speaks of the power of Christ that is working within us. His power helps us to overcome sin. His power enables us to serve Him. His power enables us to abound in fruit for His glory. Every living stone has a valued purpose in the spiritual house. Every saved person has a unique and profound purpose in the Lord.
We see a trusted position.
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.” This house is the house of God or a temple. When we get saved, our bodies become the temple of God. A temple is a sacred place. It is a place dedicated to the worship of God. It is a place dedicated to the service of God. It is set apart as a holy place. The Holy Spirit indwells in us as temples of the living God. We have been given a trusted position. Our bodies and spirit are to be set apart for the glory of God. What an encouragement for us to lead lives which are holy and set apart.
We see a tremendous performance.
We are set apart as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices. There is the dedication of our bodies to the will of God. There is the offering of praise and honor to God through our lips. Sacrifices imply effort. Sacrifices imply something that is costly. Sacrifices imply something must be put to death. Spiritual sacrifices mean all of these. Just as a priest in his duties offers up sacrifices, we too must focus on offering up spiritual sacrifices to God. Never take the worship and service of the Lord lightly. Never give less than your best in serving the Lord.
We see a treasured plaudit.
Our service is to be pleasing and acceptable to God. Oftentimes, we follow the status quo and give less than our best to the Lord. Our Lord deserves nothing but our best when it comes to worship, service, and sacrifice. Anything that we do for the Lord must meet the test of being something that pleases Him. Let’s be sure that we serve for His approval!
Living stones fit perfectly in the spiritual house. They give the house purpose. Let’s not sit back and be uninvolved. Remember your purpose for why the Lord saved you, and find your power, practice, and product through service to the Lord.
Have a purposeful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 16-18