One Stone. One Day. One Choice.

(Psalm 118:22-24 ESV) 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

A casual reading of this passage of Scripture is insufficient to understand the weight of its message. It is so familiar that we often just breeze through it without giving it full consideration. Obviously, the example of the cornerstone is to reference the most important part of a building. There are at least three observations to consider.

• The stone that the builders rejected. This is a reference to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was despised and rejected by the very ones He came to deliver. At every point, He was thrown aside by Israel; unworthy in their eyes to be the long-awaited Messiah. He did not fit their criteria, so they cast Him aside. But, God established Him as the chief cornerstone; the most important stone which held the most prominent place. He is still being rejected by the world today. But, ultimately He will hold the highest place of honor.
• This is the Lord’s doing. God Himself is responsible for exalting Jesus to the place of honor. God’s people recognize the significance of this action and regard it as a marvelous thing. In fact, mature Christians regard all of God’s actions as being marvelous!
• This is the day that the Lord has made. We often miss what the writer is saying here. It is easy to misinterpret the meaning by simply using this statement in its most general sense, which would suggest that EVERY day is made by God and, therefore, gives equal opportunity for rejoicing. While this is true, it is not the message the writer was trying to convey. When he says, “This is THE DAY…” he is referencing THE DAY when God the Father established His son Jesus as the Chief cornerstone. Once we realize that Jesus is the stone upon which everything is built, the only appropriate response will be, “Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

One final thought…

We must be careful to NOT make the same mistake the builders made. God is a gentleman. As such, He will never force Himself on anyone. Yet, He offers salvation to all who will receive it through Jesus Christ. One stone. One day. One choice. Please, make the right one…

PRAYER: Thank You Father for sending Jesus to be the Chief Cornerstone upon which everything is built. I receive Him, and the salvation provided through Him. I will rejoice! Amen.