The Chief Cornerstone | Morning Routine for November 10

Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. —Acts 4:10–12 (ESV)

In today’s text, note the bold statement Peter is making: let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead… This is the ‘stone, which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’

The Chief Cornerstone is actually a stone which had been rejected by the builders. Just imagine that for a moment.  It’s easy for us to look at Jesus’ own people with disdain for rejecting the foundation He was providing them. Perhaps they rejected Him because they were looking for a different kind of foundation. Perhaps the foundation He provided was not suitable for what they wanted to build.

But we can be guilty of the same offense today. His Kingdom, remember, is built on those characteristics found in the beatitudes: the poor in spirit; those who mourn; the meek; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; the merciful; the pure in heart; the peacemakers; those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.  This is the foundation that Jesus came to establish.  It’s good for me to look at the characteristics of my life and ask, “what am I building?”  “Have I rejected or embraced the Chief Cornerstone, and selected something instead more to my natural liking?”