Church (6) Stoneworks
| As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" 1Peter2:4-7 |
These truths can be divided into two parts: Firstly there are truths about Jesus. Peter identifies Christ as the cornerstone and capstone of the building.
- The cornerstone was important, because the Master Builder would lay the cornerstone and the labourers would use the cornerstone to get the orientation of the building correct. All building was done with reference to the cornerstone.
- The capstone is the stone at the top of an arch and in a sense brings together two opposing forces. The higher the arch, the more impressive the capstone.
The church is founded by Jesus and He is its foundational cornerstone - He defines the orientation, purpose, and direction of the church. But He is also the capstone - He is to be lifted up and glorified by the church.
Secondly, we must look at ourselves: the stones.
- Stones in a wall are all unique and each has a part to play.
- We have to find our fit in the walls of God's building.
- The mortar that binds us together is Christ's love overflowing from our hearts
- A wall cannot consist of one stone - we need each other
Sometimes we struggle with the stones who are next to us. Sometimes they let us down or frustrate us. Our commitment to being God's building is tested at this point. Can you imagine a wall of stones bickering at each other? There are unfortunately some churches that are like that - they have forgotten the Cornerstone and the Capstone.
Here are some closing reflection questions:
- Have you found your fit in God's building?
- Are you guilty of looking at the other stones instead of the Cornerstone and Capstone?
- Are you using enough mortar?
