Today you should read: 1 Peter 2:4-12
I hope you’re enjoying our study through Peter. What a great book! When you read today’s passage you stumble upon several word pictures that must be explained.
Why is Christ the Cornerstone of God’s Temple?
The temple was the place where God dwelt. A few years ago I had the incredible privilege of traveling to Israel, and while in Jerusalem I visited the wailing wall. This is the closest point you can get to where the Holy of Holies was – the place where God dwelt. Now, we know that God is omnipresent – everywhere at once and that He lives in all believers through His Spirit – but there was something very special about being in a place where the glory of God resided. To this day if you address an envelope to God – that is where they deliver it.
A picture of me praying at the Western Wall
Verse 4 reminds us that Jesus is the LIVING cornerstone to God’s temple. The cornerstone is what the building is built on – it’s what holds it all together. Jesus is that stone in God’s plan for the world.
Why are followers of Christ living stones?
God, by His grace, allowed us to be a part of God’s plan for the world. Jesus is the cornerstone – but you and I are living stones – we are part of it all. We must trust Him and recognize the honor God has given Him (v.7). Even though others rejected Him, God made Him the cornerstone (v.7b). God has made us His chosen people – royal priests – a holy nation. He’s called us out of darkness and sin into His wonderful light (v.8)
Because of this, we are temporary residents of this world – this world is not our home – heaven is. So we must be careful to not act like those who do not know God in our behavior (v.11-12).
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
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