The Cornerstone Sets the Direction

The Cornerstone Sets the Direction

“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 1 Pet. 2:6. Peter goes on to write that this precious cornerstone has also become a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense for unbelievers. They stumble, being disobedient to the word. V. 7-8.

The cornerstone has been laid in Zion, far removed from the thinking and reasoning of the rulers of this world. It lies outside the camp, and the exhortation rings out to us to go forth to Him, bearing His reproach. Heb. 13:13. Out there, those who believe are saved by the word of the cross—the foolishness of the message preached. These trust in the direction set by the cornerstone for the building of their lives, and will not be put to shame. All these buildings are fitted together into a holy temple in the Lord. Eph. 2:19-22. No other buildings can be fitted together in this temple, because their foundation lies elsewhere than in Zion.

The direction set by the cornerstone is the life of Jesus, and His name is called the Word of God. Rev. 19:13. When Paul met Jesus in a vision on his way to Damascus, he asked, “Who are You, Lord?” Later in life, he came to truly experience who Jesus was and gained a deep knowledge of the cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:7-10. There was an unceasing longing in Paul to gain a deeper knowledge of Him, and the power of His resurrection, and fellowship with Jesus in His sufferings, being conformed to His death. He pressed on toward the perfect life!

Paul further sums up Jesus’ way of life in humiliation in Ch. 2:6-8. In verse 5, we are exhorted to have the same mind. His longing for, and following after, the life of Jesus enabled him to lay the foundation as a wise master builder, exhorting us to take heed how we build on it. 1 Cor. 3:10. This is the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, securely established in Zion!

The great men of this world speak eloquently about humility, but who is willing to humble themself and become without honor in this world? Who has the power to make themself a whip and drive the money changers and all kinds of merchants out of the innermost chamber of their heart?

Let us love the truth and the commandments that the Master writes in our hearts, so that we do not stumble in disobedience to the word. This plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel will, through obedience, keep us on the paths of righteousness. Zech. 4:10. Then we, as vessels of mercy, will proclaim His greatness, who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Pet. 2:9-10. May the longing for this righteous life, which unites us together in a holy temple to the glory of Jesus’ name, increase in my life and in all of our lives!