One Rock. Many Roles.
/One Rock. Many Roles.
God the Father and Jesus Christ, His son, one in the same, are sometimes referred to by the same name. The name that sets the stage for this post today — Rock.
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” ~ Isaiah 26:4
God is often referred to as a ROCK. Rock of Ages. Rock of Salvation. Rock that is higher and everlasting. Immovable and Unshakeable.
Jesus is known as a STONE. A living stone. A Precious Cornerstone.
We’re going to hone in on that Precious CORNERSTONE, but before we discuss the significance of that stone in it’s form and function as a foundational stone, let’s take a look at two other important stones in architecture, the CAPSTONE and the KEYSTONE.
Both these stone have very significant roles as well. Why then is Jesus called the CORNERSTONE?
The CAPSTONE is top stone of structure or wall. It is usually a higher quality stone to help protect the rubble in between the inner and outer wall. It is commonly sloped or curved and overhangs the top of the wall to allow water to drip off.
The KEYSTONE is the central stone at the summit of an arch that locked the other stones together. It is wedge shaped and is necessary to support the arch. It is paramount and central and is KEY to the arch’s stability.
Again, while the CAPSTONE and the KEYSTONE were designed uniquely and specifically for the architectural role they played, and while they were an integral part of the structure, the CORNERSTONE, in regard to the structure as a whole, is by far the most important stone.
Thus the reason Jesus is called the Precious CORNERSTONE. There is no substitute substantial enough to support the weight put upon it.
The CORNERSTONE plays three roles in a structure, but more importantly, Christ performs these roles in the very foundation and structure of our lives…
Ephesians 2:20 says, "Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.”
Christ, the Cornerstone provides a firm foundation, structural significance, and distinctive direction for our lives.
Let’s take a look at each of these individually...
Christ, the Cornerstone provides a FIRM FOUNDATION for our lives.
My husband’s an engineer. He’s designed and built things his whole life. My boys got that “engineer gene” as well, and one thing I’ve observed through the years, as I’ve watched them all build, whether they’re building with legos or toothpicks and marshmallows, from forts to our family’s home, the foundation had to be firm, rock solid and secure, able to hold the weight above it and withstand the shifting sand around it.
When we look at Christ, the CORNERSTONE in our lives personally, He is foundational to our beliefs. We can do nothing apart from Him, and anything done without Him will never be strong enough to withstand the weight of the world and the shifting sands of society.
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” ~ Matthew 7:24-25
Christ the Cornerstone provides STRUCTURAL SIGNIFICANCE for our lives.
You are significant. But your significance does not come from your influence or accolades. It comes because God made a way back in right relationship with Him through His son, Jesus Christ.
That foundational CORNERSTONE also provides significance for our lives. We were created intentionally, with a plan and purpose, to do the will of the Father. Like that Cornerstone is crafted for each individual structure, we are knit together in our mother’s womb with significance in the structure of this very world.
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
We are all an important part of the body of Christ. Just as each of the stones we talked about play an important role in a structure, without each of us doing our part, the structure of society, supported by the body of Christ isn't as strong.
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” ~ 1 Peter 2:9
Because of the redeeming and transforming work Christ the Cornerstone has done in your life personally, you have the ability now to proclaim that, preach that, and purpose that in your own life to directly impact others you come in contact with.
YOU ARE SIGNIFICANT. CHOSEN. CALLED. SET APART.
Christ the Cornerstone provides DISTINCTIVE DIRECTION for our lives.
Distinctive — having a special quality, style, attractiveness. notable. having a quality or characteristic that makes a person or thing different from others — different in a way that is easy to notice, appealing or interesting because of an unusual quality or characteristic. DISTINGUISHABLE.
God calls us salt and light. We were made to stand out — to be distinctive and distinguishable as we bring light and life to a dark and dead world.
Direction. When the cornerstone is laid. it sets the direction for all other stones on both sides of the building, and if those two sides are not square, it messes up the other two sides. Those stones have to align perfectly with the cornerstone. The cornerstone gives the other stones direction. Christ not only gives is distinction, He also gives us direction.
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” ~ Psalm 24:5
One Rock. Many Roles.