This week, Pastor Jason directed our attention to a cornerstone (see I Peter 2:4-8). That word might be unfamiliar for some of us. It is an architectural term referring to part of a masonry building. It refers to a stone that was set very strategically. All the other stones would be placed in reference to that first block. It orientated the entire building towards a specific direction, and it helped balance the structure.
(By the way, online, I noticed that an auction house is offering a pair of carved Roman Corner Stones for $7500… but I digress.)
Often the cornerstone had a construction date ascribed on it and modern buildings might also include the name of the owner and or builder. And sometimes the rock or block might be hollowed out and the cornerstone became a kind of time capsule containing symbolic items and personal treasures.
Paul uses all that imagery to refer to the Lord Jesus. On the personal level, he declares the Lord to be our own chief cornerstone. He and He alone has been placed in our lives in such a way that everything else hinges on Him. We live and move and have our being because of that cornerstone (Acts 17:28).
Nothing holds us together like Jesus. Nothing orients our lives like Jesus. Nothing sustains us like Jesus. As the builder and owner, His name (and I am wondering if maybe the date of our salvation) appears on the cornerstone of each of our individual lives.
But there is also a corporate sense to this cornerstone. Jesus is the defining stone for the building of His church, the called-out assembly. The little stones are literally gathered around the chief stone and made into a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Because we are literally aligned with Christ, we are all bunched together with a specific holy purpose. We are His people, and we are built to serve God and others.
You know, years ago, when we first started these weekly devotionals, we called it “On Course.” The idea was to keep reminding our Coast Hills folks that each of us need to be filling our minds and hearts with God’s Word so we can stay “on course.”
Well, this week is a great opportunity to do just that as we consider the importance of the chief cornerstone. Let’s consider why He is building His church and the role we get to play in that grand scheme. Every stone is important.
“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18-NKJV)
(By the way, online, I noticed that an auction house is offering a pair of carved Roman Corner Stones for $7500… but I digress.)
Often the cornerstone had a construction date ascribed on it and modern buildings might also include the name of the owner and or builder. And sometimes the rock or block might be hollowed out and the cornerstone became a kind of time capsule containing symbolic items and personal treasures.
Paul uses all that imagery to refer to the Lord Jesus. On the personal level, he declares the Lord to be our own chief cornerstone. He and He alone has been placed in our lives in such a way that everything else hinges on Him. We live and move and have our being because of that cornerstone (Acts 17:28).
Nothing holds us together like Jesus. Nothing orients our lives like Jesus. Nothing sustains us like Jesus. As the builder and owner, His name (and I am wondering if maybe the date of our salvation) appears on the cornerstone of each of our individual lives.
But there is also a corporate sense to this cornerstone. Jesus is the defining stone for the building of His church, the called-out assembly. The little stones are literally gathered around the chief stone and made into a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Because we are literally aligned with Christ, we are all bunched together with a specific holy purpose. We are His people, and we are built to serve God and others.
You know, years ago, when we first started these weekly devotionals, we called it “On Course.” The idea was to keep reminding our Coast Hills folks that each of us need to be filling our minds and hearts with God’s Word so we can stay “on course.”
Well, this week is a great opportunity to do just that as we consider the importance of the chief cornerstone. Let’s consider why He is building His church and the role we get to play in that grand scheme. Every stone is important.
“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18-NKJV)
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.