The Cornerstone is Sure
Opening Prayer
Savior, You are the one in whom I place all my trust. You are a good God and I love You.
Read Psalm 118:1-29
[1] Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. [2] Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” [3] Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” [4] Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” [5] When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. [6] The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? [7] The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. [8] It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. [9] It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. [10] All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down. [11] They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down. [12] They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down. [13] I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. [14] The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. [15] Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! [16] The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” [17] I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. [18] The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. [19] Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. [20] This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. [21] I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. [22] The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; [23] the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. [24] The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. [25] LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! [26] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. [27] The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. [28] You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. [29] Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are you willing to stand as a servant with the rejected Master?“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (22), and we are called to rejoice in the day when this was done (24). The religious leaders did not recognize Jesus but rather rejected him. God, however, has raised him up. God has exalted the one who was crucified.The Scriptures teach us that if people treated the Master that way, they will treat the servants the same (John 15:14). But those who are willing to stand with Jesus when rejected will find that they also stand with him in honor. The day is coming when the victory that happened on the cross will be fully realized. On that day those who shared in the suffering will share in glory. Let us praise the one who is “the stone the builders rejected…the cornerstone” (22). Let us live in a way that demonstrates that we are willing to stand with him regardless of what the world says or does. Let us remember that in this we will be greatly honored (Matt. 10:32).
Apply
Many speak about Jesus as Lord. Ask God to search your heart. Align your whole self with this profession.
Closing prayer
Lord, You have done marvelous things. You have done it all well. You are worthy of all honor and of lives laid down.
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