August 2, 2004

THE REJECTED STONE

"He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone' " (Acts 4:11, NIV).

As a descriptive title for Jesus, the metaphor of the stone has great prominence in the New Testament. Three of the many references to Jesus as the stone describe Him as "the rejected stone" which eventually became the capstone of the building.

In his powerful address before the members of the Sanhedrin, Peter drove home the point that as leaders, they had been party to Jesus' crucifixion. Employing one of his favorite titles for Jesus, Peter reminded them that Jesus was "the stone you builders rejected" (Acts 4:11, NIV). Doubtless, some of the members of the Sanhedrin listening to Peter's discourse had personally heard Jesus apply the prophecy of the rejected stone to Himself (See Matthew 21:42-44).

The rejected stone, Peter insists, "has become the chief cornerstone" (Acts 4:11, NKJV). The rejected stone is now the "precious" stone (1 Peter 2:4, NKJV). The vindication of the rejected stone became the dominant note in Peter's preaching. The stone so shamefully discarded has been fully restored to its rightful place of honor. Jesus Christ is the "living" stone, the "precious cornerstone" of the church (1 Peter 2:4, 6, NIV). Ellen G. White observes that, "At His second coming He [Christ] would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth... Before the universe, the rejected stone would become the head of the corner."--The Desire of Ages, p. 600.

My Prayer Today: Lord, though once rejected, You have become the chief cornerstone of Your church. Amen.