CORNERSTONE, STONE

 

CORNERSTONE, STONE

Significance of Stones in the Ancient World

In the ancient world, stones served various purposes, being essential for constructing altars, homes, palaces, and temples. The term "cornerstone" refers to a particularly critical stone that connects two rows of stones at a corner. This stone stabilizes the structure at its foundation and may serve as the keystone over an arch or the top of a roof parapet. For a cornerstone to fulfill its purpose, it must be perfectly fitted, strong, and well-shaped; a flawed or poorly cut stone would compromise the integrity of the entire building. The Hebrew phrase for cornerstone is rosh pinnah (ROSHE pi-NAH).

In Luke 20:17, Jesus cites Psalm 118:22, referring to "the stone that the builders rejected." This reference highlights his rejection by many in the Jewish nation, including its leaders. However, God's purposes remain unchanged; through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God would establish him as the cornerstone upon which His kingdom would be built. The Hebrew word for stone is eben (eh-VEN).

The New Testament portrays the entire community of believers as a holy temple, a spiritual house where God dwells. Jesus serves as the Cornerstone to which we, as living stones, are connected. As the foundation stone, Jesus is strong enough to hold everything together and serves as the fitting conclusion to all of God’s work. For those who reject Jesus and his saving message, however, he becomes a stone of stumbling, as rejecting God’s chosen one leads to inevitable judgment.

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Praying to Our Cornerstone, Stone

Headlines like “Haiti’s Agony,” “Haiti in Shambles,” and “Fierce Earthquake Rocks Haiti” have underscored the tragedy of one of the worst disasters to hit this disaster-prone nation. The magnitude 7 earthquake in January 2010 destroyed much of Port-au-Prince, including the presidential palace, major churches, and seminaries. The devastation was exacerbated by the absence of building codes and the harsh economic reality, where the average person earns only two dollars a day.

In contrast, consider Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which has endured for over fifteen centuries. Once a Byzantine cathedral and now a mosque, it has withstood seismic activity that has damaged other structures around it. Engineers have discovered that Hagia Sophia is constructed with earthquake-resistant cement, minimizing its vulnerability to earthquakes of magnitude 7.5.

The resilience of structures is a reflection of how they are built, and this principle extends to the spiritual realm. Jesus teaches that those who hear his words and act on them are like a wise person building their house on rock. In contrast, those who ignore his teachings are like someone building on sand—eventually, their house will collapse.

As we navigate life, we will face pressures that can shake us to the core. Yet, if our lives are anchored in Christ, we will not be destroyed. Jesus is the Cornerstone, the robust foundation upon which we can base our lives. Anything else will ultimately fail.

Lord, I have learned how flimsy the things I depend on truly are; they can be destroyed in an instant. Thank you for being the perfect Cornerstone and for calling me to be a living stone, part of the house you are building— a house that will endure forever.

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Promises Associated with the Name

“This is what Adonay Yahweh says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes in him will not worry.” (Isaiah 28:16)

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Reflection

The imagery of the cornerstone emphasizes the strength and stability found in a relationship with Christ. In the face of life’s challenges, our connection to Him offers us the assurance and resilience we need. Just as the cornerstone is integral to a building’s integrity, Jesus is central to our spiritual lives, providing the foundation upon which we can stand firm.

Recognizing Jesus as our Cornerstone encourages us to build our lives on His teachings and trust in His promises. As we do so, we become living stones in God’s eternal house, participating in His divine plan and enduring the storms of life with grace and strength.