1139AFC093011 The Corner
Read it online here.
Matthew 21:42-43
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
Psalm 118:22-23
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Isaiah 28:16
16 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; whoever puts faith in it will not waver.
The cornerstone was usually larger, laid with precision, and the base upon which the arrangements of all other stones were arranged. It is the beginning of turning a plan into a reality. Often it was also decorated or inscribed, another feature setting it apart from all other stones. It was often chosen by the Master Builder. It set the tone for the hope that went into the building of a temple, or palace, or even a humble home.
This idea is mentioned many times in scripture. You can find similar passages at Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:6, and Romans 9:33. For many of us the reference is clear. Jesus is the cornerstone the builders rejected, and he was chosen for that role from the very beginning. Putting it in simple terms, God has a plan and it begins with Jesus.
From this we can got to the conclusion that when we build our lives, we, too, can use Jesus as our cornerstone. A life planned and built around Jesus will become a rock-solid reality that can and will literally last forever despite all that comes against it.
Even the grandest of buildings built with the mot judiciously chosen, well laid out, and highly decorated cornerstones will still face what we earthlings call The Elements. The wind, rain, snow, and all kinds of storms, the blazing sun, and the trembling earth are all part of what anything in this world will possibly endure. It is that same for us. Many things come into our lives that bring us discomfort. Sometimes tragedies strike us like tsunamis or earthquakes strike our buildings. Sometimes storms wreak havoc on our lives, or on loved ones, or on people clear across the globe. We are moved by these events whether they befall us or another. More often than not, though, the cornerstone stays, and with it stays hope of rebuilding.
God has a plan. If we follow that plan in our lives – laying down Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives – then when The Elements come, we have hope to be able to stand. You can build a building without a cornerstone, and it will rise as high and soundly, perhaps, as a building with a cornerstone; but it is missing something important. It is mission the hope that was the germ of the plan before the building began.
It is the same in our lives. We can leave out God’s cornerstone, but what comes of it is just not the same – it is somehow something less. But even when we do catch on to God’s plan, catch hold of the hope that goes into it, we can forget the cornerstone when we become overly-busy with the process of getting, and building, and fixing, and maintaining our lives.
Think about your own cornerstone. Do you remember where you put it? Do you remember what it felt like to get started, knowing it would always be there? When is the last time you look at it? Have you neglected your cornerstone so that it’s hard to locate again? Or do you know precisely where it is and ensure that everyone who passes through your life can see it too? I have a friend whose email signature says “Be so happy that when others look at you, they will be happy too.” I know where her cornerstone is. Do you know where mine is?
Take some time this week to look after yours. Tend to it, pay attention to the hopes and plans that went into placing it in your life. Meditate on the order that follows when the cornerstone becomes the center of the plan. I think you will find even the highest hopes renewed and made clearer, or the lowest hopes elevated to new order and strength. Just thin about it a little this week as you look at your own cornerstone and look for the cornerstones of others. When you see a really good one, let the owner know and give the credit to The Builder.
Share-A-Prayer
This week I want to focus on one heartrending prayer request. An MBN member asked us to pray for her and her family. He husband has isolated her are totally cut her off. I’ve known this Virtuous Woman for quite some time and was astounded to hear her husband was planning on divorcing her. She is generous, kind, a sturdy Christian, and is now exposed to The Elements both physically and spiritually. I have promised to keep her identity private, so she will be referred to simply as KG. There are two children at vulnerable ages who will also endure this. She is asking us to pray for strength for her and the children, for faith, for reconciliation, and possibly counseling. I recommended getting in touch with Retrouvaille, but here in Hawaii they may only be available on ‘Oahu. So, will you pray for KG’s family? Some of you may have similar experiences, and if you write to me and tell me about them I will pass them on. God bless you for your prayers.
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved.
chick
1139AFC093011 The Corner
Read it online here.
Matthew 21:42-43
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
Psalm 118:22-23
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Isaiah 28:16
16 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; whoever puts faith in it will not waver.
The cornerstone was usually larger, laid with precision, and the base upon which the arrangements of all other stones were arranged. It is the beginning of turning a plan into a reality. Often it was also decorated or inscribed, another feature setting it apart from all other stones. It was often chosen by the Master Builder. It set the tone for the hope that went into the building of a temple, or palace, or even a humble home.
This idea is mentioned many times in scripture. You can find similar passages at Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:6, and Romans 9:33. For many of us the reference is clear. Jesus is the cornerstone the builders rejected, and he was chosen for that role from the very beginning. Putting it in simple terms, God has a plan and it begins with Jesus.
From this we can got to the conclusion that when we build our lives, we, too, can use Jesus as our cornerstone. A life planned and built around Jesus will become a rock-solid reality that can and will literally last forever despite all that comes against it.
Even the grandest of buildings built with the mot judiciously chosen, well laid out, and highly decorated cornerstones will still face what we earthlings call The Elements. The wind, rain, snow, and all kinds of storms, the blazing sun, and the trembling earth are all part of what anything in this world will possibly endure. It is that same for us. Many things come into our lives that bring us discomfort. Sometimes tragedies strike us like tsunamis or earthquakes strike our buildings. Sometimes storms wreak havoc on our lives, or on loved ones, or on people clear across the globe. We are moved by these events whether they befall us or another. More often than not, though, the cornerstone stays, and with it stays hope of rebuilding.
God has a plan. If we follow that plan in our lives – laying down Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives – then when The Elements come, we have hope to be able to stand. You can build a building without a cornerstone, and it will rise as high and soundly, perhaps, as a building with a cornerstone; but it is missing something important. It is mission the hope that was the germ of the plan before the building began.
It is the same in our lives. We can leave out God’s cornerstone, but what comes of it is just not the same – it is somehow something less. But even when we do catch on to God’s plan, catch hold of the hope that goes into it, we can forget the cornerstone when we become overly-busy with the process of getting, and building, and fixing, and maintaining our lives.
Think about your own cornerstone. Do you remember where you put it? Do you remember what it felt like to get started, knowing it would always be there? When is the last time you look at it? Have you neglected your cornerstone so that it’s hard to locate again? Or do you know precisely where it is and ensure that everyone who passes through your life can see it too? I have a friend whose email signature says “Be so happy that when others look at you, they will be happy too.” I know where her cornerstone is. Do you know where mine is?
Take some time this week to look after yours. Tend to it, pay attention to the hopes and plans that went into placing it in your life. Meditate on the order that follows when the cornerstone becomes the center of the plan. I think you will find even the highest hopes renewed and made clearer, or the lowest hopes elevated to new order and strength. Just thin about it a little this week as you look at your own cornerstone and look for the cornerstones of others. When you see a really good one, let the owner know and give the credit to The Builder.
Share-A-Prayer
This week I want to focus on one heartrending prayer request. An MBN member asked us to pray for her and her family. He husband has isolated her are totally cut her off. I’ve known this Virtuous Woman for quite some time and was astounded to hear her husband was planning on divorcing her. She is generous, kind, a sturdy Christian, and is now exposed to The Elements both physically and spiritually. I have promised to keep her identity private, so she will be referred to simply as KG. There are two children at vulnerable ages who will also endure this. She is asking us to pray for strength for her and the children, for faith, for reconciliation, and possibly counseling. I recommended getting in touch with Retrouvaille, but here in Hawaii they may only be available on ‘Oahu. So, will you pray for KG’s family? Some of you may have similar experiences, and if you write to me and tell me about them I will pass them on. God bless you for your prayers.
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved.
chick
About Chick Todd
American Roman Catholic reared as a "Baptiterian" in Denver Colorado. Now living on Kauaʻi. USAF Vet. Married for over 50 years. Scripture study has been my passion ever since my first "Bible talk" at age 6 in VBS.
