Being Fruitful
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Posted: May 6, 2023
Author: Coria Brock Isaiah 28:16, New International Version “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic." |
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As a follower of Jesus, we have probably heard the saying “Jesus is the Cornerstone”. Yet, do we really understand the purpose and function of a cornerstone?
A cornerstone is the first stone set during the building process. Careful measurements are taken to ensure the cornerstone is square so that the remainder of the building will be in proper alignment. If the cornerstone is not stable, the whole building will collapse. If we know Jesus and He is the Cornerstone of our life, He is the One who is square and ensures the proper alignment of our life. He needs to be in every aspect of our life. Without the Cornerstone, our life will collapse! A brick may be taken from a building wall, but the cornerstone, Jesus, is not just a brick. He is the tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone, and a sure Foundation.
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans 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 cornerstone,’ and, ‘A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” (1 Peter 2:4-8, NIV)
Jesus is the living Stone, whoever believes and follows Him is built into Him, becoming a Spiritual house – a temple for His Spirit. We are made and are chosen, and like living stones through Christ Jesus, we become acceptable to God Himself. Those who become living stones will never be dismayed. However, those who reject the Cornerstone, are those who reject the Builder. They build their lives with their own hands and without the Chief Cornerstone they will fall and stumble. They fall and stumble because they make themselves to be their own foundation. They want to be their own life builders, and they reject the Stone and disobey the Way of the One who gives life. So, where is their destination? Hear what the Word of God say:
“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatian 6:8, NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27, NIV)
Your destination depends on what you sow and what you build on – stand firm in eternal life, or fall with a great crash and destruction. What do you choose and where are you going? This is your choice!
