January 7, 2004

THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

"Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame" (1 Peter 2:6, NKJV).

The cornerstone is the most important stone in a building. It is the stone that binds the walls together and lines up the foundation and superstructure. The strength of the entire building is crucially dependent on the cornerstone. It regulates the whole structure and provides order, strength, and symmetry to the building. Christ is all this and more to His church.

Peter sees Christ as the chief cornerstone. The word, chief, qualifies the title, cornerstone, and adds symmetrical beauty to strength, order, and cohesiveness. What an impressive, portrait of Jesus Christ! No doubt, Peter, in depicting Christ as the chief cornerstone recalled his Master's memorable declaration: "On this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

Employing the cornerstone metaphor, the apostle Paul also speaks of Christ as the "chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together" (Ephesians 2:20, 21, NIV). Here the primary focus is on the ability of the chief cornerstone to unite and hold the building together. Not only is Christ the chief cornerstone that strengthens, unifies, and beautifies His church, He also wants to be the chief cornerstone in the life and home of each individual believer. May we, as living stones built upon the chief cornerstone, reflect His strength and unity.

Here is a precious thought on which to reflect today: "Christ is represented as dwelling in His people. Believers are represented as 'built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone' '--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 291.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I thank You for Christ, the chief cornerstone. May I build firmly on His sure foundation. Amen.