Cornerstone

Reflection

Today, building cornerstones are markers for dates of construction or memorial stones, but in ancient times, a cornerstone was chosen and carefully prepared by the stonemason for a strategic purpose. Selected to be the principle stone of an edifice, it needed to be solid and perfectly squared. The cornerstone was an essential component of a building’s construction; it was the first stone placed in the foundation and all other stones were laid in reference to it.

We don’t know what experience the psalmist might have been relating to when he wrote about the stone rejected by the builders becoming the cornerstone, about those whose lives were built upon that cornerstone rejoicing at God’ marvelous work of salvation. The words of the psalmist would be fulfilled in Jesus, the light of the world. Our Savior would quote these words himself (Matthew 21:42).

Not long after Pentecost, Peter healed a lame beggar in the name of Jesus and, with John, proclaimed in Christ the resurrection of the dead. Many who heard their message came to faith in him—about 5000 men. The high priest and others (the same group of leaders who had crucified Jesus) questioned the disciples, asking by what power or what name they had healed the man. Peter responded that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom God had raised from the dead—the stone they had rejected had become the cornerstone. Salvation could be found in no one else (Acts 4).

Jesus is, indeed, the cornerstone of the household of God. Joined together in him, believers are growing into a holy temple in the Lord. He is the cornerstone of our salvation, the guide for our lives and the church. Like living stones, we are placed exactly where God wants us to be, directed by Christ, and designed to bring him glory.

Like the religious leaders who rejected him, many today have rejected Jesus, many don’t know who he is or believe in him. As we meditate on the wonder of Christ’s sacrifice and victory over sin this Lent, let us consider those whom we can point to him, the cornerstone of our salvation. Let us seek to have conversations that make a difference for eternity.