June 17, 2004

THE STONE OF STUMBLING

" 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed" (1 Peter 2:8, NKJV).

One of the metaphors by which Jesus is portrayed in Scripture is that of "the stone." He is variously described as the rejected stone (see Matthew 21:42), the cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:20), the tried stone (see Isaiah 28:16), and the precious stone (see 1 Peter 2:6).

Peter's reference to Christ as the "stone of stumbling" (1 Peter 2:8, NKJV) bears a somewhat negative connotation. Strangely, the precious stone becomes a "stone of stumbling" to some. Christ came to earth to be the sure foundation, the secure stepping stone to God. Ironically, the safe and sure stone becomes to some "a stone to trip over, and a rock to stumble at" (1 Peter 2:8, Weymouth). Christ can be transformed into a "stone of stumbling" only when men and women refuse to walk in the light. Those who walk in the light continue to find Jesus a safe and sure stepping stone to eternal life, while those who are blinded by sin continue to stumble and fall.

The religious leaders of Christ's day were so offended at His liberating message that they crucified the very One who had come to bring them life and liberty. By rejecting the only means by which they could have eternal life they transformed the elect stone of salvation into a "stone of stumbling." To the obedient, Christ is always the precious and sure cornerstone. To the disobedient, however, He is a "stone of stumbling." "Christ is represented by the chief corner-stone. Jew and Gentile must build upon this foundation, and their connection with Christ, this 'precious stone' makes them living stones."--The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 38.

My Prayer Today: Lord, may I never allow this precious stone to become a "stone of stumbling." Amen.