February 25, 2004

A TRIED STONE

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stone... a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation" (Isaiah 28:16, NKJV).

Continuing the metaphor of the stone, Isaiah vividly depicts Christ as the tried stone. Not only is He a precious stone (see 1 Peter 2:7), the living stone (see 1 Peter 2:4), and the sure cornerstone (see Isaiah 28:16), Jesus is also the tried and tested stone. As a tried stone, Christ is reliable, trustworthy, and altogether dependable. He is the tested and proven stone upon which the church is erected. It is for this reason that the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it (see Matthew 16:18).

In this sublime title, Christ is described as a building stone that has been fully tested for its strength, durability, and steadfastness. The designation, "a tried stone," suggests that the church is built on a foundation that is imperishable and impregnable. The tried foundation was laid deep and strong in the eternal counsel of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:11) and will therefore last forever. God's church will never crumble, crack, or decay. Whatever the great builder does is permanent (see Ecclesiastes 3:14).

As members of God's church, we are "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5, NKJV), part of the spiritual edifice of which Christ is the tried and sure foundation stone. We have this assurance: "Our Redeemer is a 'Tried Stone.' The experiment has been made, the great test has been applied, and with perfect success. In Him is fulfilled all the purpose of God for the saving of a lost world. Never was a foundation subject to so severe a trial and test as this 'Tried Stone.' "--Our High Calling, p. 54.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the tried stone, You have guaranteed the future of your church. Thank You for making me a living stone in Your temple. Amen.