Cornerstone

We sang a song in church today that I believe is anointed and appointed for such a time as this.  The time that we live in is dark and unsettled.  We do not know what the future holds.  Shakings are taking place all around the world.  Yet,we need not fear if our lives are built on The Cornerstone, Jesus Christ.  Absorb the truths in this song, “Cornerstone.”

“My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ name.”  (Chorus:  “Christ alone, Cornerstone.  Weak made strong in the Savior’s love.  Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all.”)

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.  In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil; my anchor holds within the veil.  (Chorus)

When Christ shall come with trumpet sound; Oh may I then in Him be found.  Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless, stand before the throne.”  (Chorus)

Both the prophet Isaiah and Zechariah talk about The Cornerstone.  “From Judah will come The Cornerstone (foundation stone), from Him the tent peg, from Him the battle bow, from Him every ruler.” (Zechariah 10:4)  Our Messiah is called The Cornerstone because of the key role He has in constructing God’s plan of salvation for all nations.  Wikipedia says that “The cornerstone or foundation stone is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.”  The cornerstone provides a secure foundation for every other stone laid on top of it and beside it.  The Cornerstone will not be shaken.  This is how the prophet Isaiah puts it: “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 trusts will never be dismayed.’” (Isaiah 28:16)

Peter quotes this verse in Chapter 2, Verse 6. He also describes the spiritual component for the Body of Christ.  “As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God, and precious to Him—you also, like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5)  In the book of Ephesians Paul also uses the image of the cornerstone as the foundation for God’s people who are building the holy temple of God.  “…You are…fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief Cornerstone.  In Him the whole building is jointed together to become a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:19-21)

Another component of the cornerstone is that it unites and strengthens two walls.  God’s plan for His temple is to unit both Jew and Gentile (two walls).  Paul says, “His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.” (Ephesians 2:15)  The Cornerstone is in place to bind together Jew and Gentile—the two walls of the Church.

In Israel, the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, or Feast of Trumpets, has already begun.  In the United States the celebration will begin at sundown today. In the midst of uncertainty, God wants us to trust in Him for the future.  As it says in Isaiah 33:6, “He will be the sure foundation (stability) for your times…”  We are secure on the Chief Cornerstone, our Messiah. Praise God!