October 9

The Corner Stone

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? — Matt 21:42 BSB

The people to whom Christ first came didn’t think He was fit to be their Messiah. They rejected Him and had Him crucified. But now, what do we see? The same Jesus they rejected, God has made the King of glory, Lord of heaven and earth. All power, mercy, and judgment are in His hands. The rulers who rejected Him and called for His crucifixion will one day wake up on the day of judgment and see the same Jesus, whom they despised, as their Judge.

Many people today also think Christ is unsuitable to be their Master. They don’t see it as an honor to be called a Christian. They are embarrassed to acknowledge His name or to follow His teachings. They don’t want to model their lives after His holy example. But these people should remember that Christ holds the highest honor in heaven. No angel is ashamed to speak His name. The redeemed in heaven praise Him day and night. God the Father has exalted Him to the throne of eternal power and glory. So why should sinful people be ashamed to call Him Lord?

They should also remember that Christ is the cornerstone of the eternal spiritual building. No life that isn’t built on Him can stand. There is no other foundation on which to rest our hope. If they are ever to be saved, it will be through the same Jesus they are rejecting now.

How can they live who never seek Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins,
Who, knowing that the strongest are still weak,
Do not ask for His grace and never know His peace—
That unspeakable gift of pardon from heaven?