Last week, we studied Jesus, the living Stone, and ourselves as living stones. Today we’ll mine the concept of the cornerstone.

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.” (1 Peter 2:6 NIV)

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “A cornerstone is the visible support on which the rest of the building relies for strength and stability.” If you have time, take a look at the ten-minute video below in which a Christian stonemason speaks on the cornerstone. If not, I have a summary for you.

Here’s a list of Michael’s key points. The cornerstone:

• Was the first stone laid for a building, the key mark stone, placed in the prominent corner
• Was the best possible stone, the purest representation of the stone from which the building was made, with no imperfections or fissure lines
• Was stationary, the first immovable object
• Oriented the building
• Served as the measuring line for both directions and as the plumb line vertically

Since our stonemason friend covered the ins and outs of the cornerstone, I’ll touch on the last part of v. 6. While I’m no Greek scholar, commentaries tell me that the Greek gives an emphatic double negative assertion that “the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (That means you won’t never ever be put to shame.)

What causes shame? Psychology Today mentions self-awareness, self-blame, and self-esteem (https://psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201510/5-factors-make-you-feel-shame_). Note the theme of self-focus?

Paul, however, redirects us to Christ, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

You have been quarried from the living Stone Himself. 

A chip off the old Cornerstone. 

As a living stone, you have the Holy Spirit’s help to live like the Cornerstone.

In what areas do you line up with Him?

In what areas are you like the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Are you immovable in your faith? What would cause tremors?

Are you pure? If not, what’s causing the flaws in your stone?

Are you cracking under pressure? The Cornerstone should bear most of the weight.

Lean on Him.

Workout for the Week: A Chip Off the Old Cornerstone

Memory Verse: 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.” (1 Peter 2:6 NIV)

Meditation Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Do It: Be a chip off your Cornerstone.

Our spiritual discipline for January is meditation. Foster recommends bringing the imagination into play. For example, envision the cornerstone that we’ve talked about today. Picture Jesus as that cornerstone. Reflect on the characteristics listed above. Now, picture yourself as a stone in the building, quarried from Him, having the same characteristics, and aligned with Him for the strength and integrity of the entire building. Note any insights in your journal.