So this is what the Sovereign Lord says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.
Isaiah 28:16
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
Psalm 118: 22-24
Then know this, you and all the peoples of israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Acts 4: 10-12
In Isaiah 28:16, God tells us He has laid a cornerstone that is tested and precious, and that provides a firm foundation. If we rely on that cornerstone, we won’t be stricken with fear. In Psalm 118:22-24, we hear that the Lord has made a cornerstone out of the stone that the builders rejected. We should rejoice and be glad because God has done this today. And finally, in Acts 4:10-12, we hear Peter tell us in , that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the stone the builders rejected, and has become the cornerstone, the only way of salvation. But what exactly is a cornerstone?
According to newstudioarchitecture.com, a cornerstone is “traditionally the first stone laid for a structure, with all other stones laid in reference” and it “marks the geographical location by orienting a building in a specific direction.” So, a cornerstone is the first part of the foundation, a reference that orients a building in a specific direction. When we say Jesus is our cornerstone, we are saying He is our first foundation, a reference that orients us always toward God. The leaders rejected the cornerstone, tried repeatedly to trip him up and prove him wrong. They plotted against him, and eventually sent him to be crucified, but they did not have the last word. God raised Jesus from the dead, and if we only believe in him, we are also promised eternal life. We celebrate Easter today! We should rejoice and be glad for what God has done for us today, for Jesus will be our firm foundation, our reference that always orients us toward God. Jesus is our cornerstone.
Father, we thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to die in our place, to take the punishment we so richly deserve. He is the cornerstone of our lives, the foundation of our faith, and the one who always orients us toward you. We will never be stricken by fear so long as we rely on Him and call on his name. You have done this today, and we will rejoice and be glad! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
