In the previous post, we learned what it means that Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone. In this post, we learn about what it implies to us as believers.
Today, I had a funny experience while peeling coco yams. I picked up a few but dropped them because they didn’t look attractive. They were a bit out of shape. When I started peeling the ones I felt were good, they ended up being rotten on the inside. Begrudgingly, I went back to those shapeless coco yams and they were surprisingly good. In fact, perfect.
A few weeks ago, I posted about Jesus being a rock offense to some. I mentioned that it is because such people box God. Just like I had a vision of the way I wanted the coco yams to be shaped, the Jews had an idea of what the “stone” they wanted should look like. It was either that or nothing. And so even when it was glaring and standing right in front of them, they rejected it. That Jesus that they rejected was in fact the Messiah they needed. The stone that the builders rejected became the Chief Cornerstone (Psa. 118:22).
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Psalm 118:22 ESV
So the big question is; why is it relevant to us that Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone?
This fact is relevant because we must always remember that He is the most important part of the church. By “church” I don’t mean the buildings or denominations. I mean the body of Christ, the congregation of believers.
It was established in last week’s post that a cornerstone is the most important part of a masonry building. It sets the alignment. But beyond that, a cornerstone also has other purposes. For example, a cornerstone is also used to symbolize a building’s foundation and heritage. Jesus being the cornerstone reminds the church of her origin. There would be no church without Jesus Christ. This calls our attention to the fact that He sets the standard of custom and values for the body of believers. This brings me to my next point.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith
Hebrews 12:2a KJV
Jesus is the foundation of the church. As a cornerstone sets the foundation of a building, so Jesus sets the foundation of the church. Many people are now laying other foundations aside from Christ, causing instability in the church. The scripture says if the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do (Psa. 11:3)? If we miss it with the fundamentals of our faith, that it is, Christ and Him crucified, how then will the church stand?
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Cor. 2:2 ESV
Sometimes, these things are done in good faith. We see good people and just want to emulate them. Or we see good practices and want to enforce them in the body. However, Jesus Christ remains the standard. Remember that. He is the one that we must ultimately align ourselves to.
Initially, it may seem that other stones in a masonry building can’t be aligned with the cornerstone due to increasing distance from it as more stones are placed. However, each subsequent stone is actually positioned in relation to the cornerstone, maintaining alignment. Similarly, when aligning yourself with others, ensure they are first aligned with Christ, the ultimate foundation (1 Cor. 11:1). The moment we start to lay the church’s foundation on any other thing or person, we lose order.
Moreover, a lack of alignment will cause collapse. The cornerstone of the church and of the Christian faith is Christ. If your faith is grounded and standing firm on Christ, then it has found the “solidest” of grounds. People are losing faith easily because they made miracles and signs their cornerstone. They made people who are capable of hurting them their cornerstone, as opposed to Jesus who loves us so much He gave Himself for us. If you feel your faith is falling apart, maybe it’s because you haven’t made the right thing your cornerstone. To have the firmest of faiths, you must have it built on Christ who is the Chief Cornerstone. We are securely built on Christ. (Matt. 7:24)
In a world where you’re told to trust no one and keep one eye open, be rest assured that Jesus is steadfast and dependable. Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone speaks of His reliability. It amazes me that an entire building can be erected, aligning every other brick or stone to the cornerstone. Just as a building’s cornerstone provides a stable reference point for alignment, Jesus serves as a rock-solid foundation for believers. He is reliable, the one who puts his trust in Him will never be ashamed (Rom. 10:11).
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.
Romans 10:11 NKJV
The truth remains unaffected by lies. Whether you reject him or not, Jesus is always the Chief Cornerstone. The builders rejected Him, but to their shame, He still became the Chief Cornerstone. The option is yours, to accept, align, and stand firm or reject, get misaligned, and crumble. If you would like to align yourself to the Chief Cornerstone, put some order and stability in your life, and receive the assurance that you’re built to last, then please say this prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you for your love for me. Today I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I acknowledge you as the Chief Cornerstone of my life and faith. Amen.
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