The Chief Cornerstone
Today’s Verse:
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. ~ 1 Peter 2:6
The Bible uses terminology that enables a reader, past or present, to understand an important principle. We see agricultural terms, athletic terms, financial terms, and construction terms. One of these construction terms is found in Isaiah 28:16, Luke 20:17, Ephesians 2:20, and 1 Peter 2:6. Let us see the meaning behind the chief cornerstone.
We see the concept.
The first thing we see is that the cornerstone is a beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. It fitly represents the Lord Jesus Christ as the key essential for life, present and eternal. It demonstrates the principle that without Him, we can do nothing. It helps us to understand that we cannot build without Him as the chief Cornerstone.
We see the caliber.
The cornerstone is the most important stone of a building. It is the largest stone that provides support for structural integrity. The positioning of this cornerstone gives confidence that the building will not collapse or fall. It is the equivalent of a sure foundation. Jesus is the Foundation of our hope and eternal security.
We see the construction.
“In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:20). Every time an individual believes on Jesus as his Saviour, he is a stone added to the building. Every believer is a good fit because of the chief Cornerstone. God builds His church with Christ as the Cornerstone, and every stone added thereafter being a person who receives Christ by faith. It is through Christ that a church is built, developed, and grown.
We see the comprehension.
The chief cornerstone is elect and precious. The word “precious” conveys the idea of someone or something highly cherished and esteemed. “We love him, because he first loved us.” When we fathom in our thoughts the sacrifice that Jesus made when He died on the cross for our sin, we are moved with a sense of unworthiness on our part. He is precious to us. We want to live for Him. We want to worship Him. We want to glorify Him. We want to do all we can for Him.
We see the caution.
To every unbeliever who rejects Christ as the chief Cornerstone, He will be their judge. Jesus said, “On whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” For every believer who rejects His Lordship in their life, He chastens them as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. Jesus said, “Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken.” The chief Cornerstone is precious to the one who esteems Him, but a peril to the one who rejects Him.
We see the calling.
“He that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” Jesus is calling sinners to place their unreserved faith in Him as the chief Cornerstone and Foundation of their faith and life. He will never fail us. Paul said, “The foundation of God standeth sure… The Lord knoweth them that are his.”
Make sure that the building of your life has the Lord Jesus Christ as the chief Cornerstone. Make sure you hold Him in high esteem. Don’t try to build without Him.
Have a foundationed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 27-29