The Cornerstone

"I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:21-24)

The foundation of any building is the most important facet. The foundation is important in the load it must bear for the duration of the building's existence. The foundation is primarily there to hold it all together for the kinds of weather, winds, and shifting earth the building will face. The laying of the foundation is critical to the building's future.

The psalmist uses the analogy of this critical fact in the work of those responsible for constructing a structure for our faith. Interestingly enough, the "builders" rejected the stone that is used in the building the psalmist refers to as a symbol of our faith.

Peter successfully and faithfully confesses who Christ is and Christ acknowledges this confession (another reading for the week - Mark 8). The psalm today will become part of the language in the gospels and epistles. 

It is an analogy that serves us well. Our faith is built solidly on this confession. Christ, the rock of our faith, is our foundation for our faith and for the church. The stone was rejected by those in position of authority then and continues to be rejected today. Yet, God's Word, our fortress, our rock, our foundation, continues to grow and thrive. Peter's confession is the truth we live daily.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, You have given us a firm foundation through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray we use this foundation as a catalyst to grow this faith in our own hearts and to share this faith with others, so that the seeds of faith are planted and grow in theirs too. Amen.