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Matthew 21:42

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Have you seen the cornerstone on our church building? It’s by the Chapel Kid’s Lobby entrance and has these four lines: Grounded in the Word. Focused on the Lord. To Reach the World. Then beneath those lines, the date, 1995. Today, cornerstones are ceremonial and set in a prominent place with inscriptions and dates like ours. But things were different in Jesus’ day.

In New Testament times, the cornerstone (or foundational stone) was the first stone set in the construction. It was the most important stone since all other stones were set in reference to it. The cornerstone determined the integrity of the entire structure. To reject or neglect the cornerstone would be foolish. The entire structure would be out of line and unstable. The same thing happens with our lives.

Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone. If we reject or neglect the Cornerstone, our lives (relationships, jobs, dreams, desires, etc.) will be out of line. Our entire lives will lack stability. Sometimes people come to me, and quite frankly, their lives are a mess. Every area of their existence is out of kilter. That usually means one thing: The “blocks” are not lined up with the Chief Cornerstone. So…here’s the question: Are you in line with Jesus?

Father, may we live our lives in line with your Son. May we know, understand, and obey his Word. May we lay each block of our lives in reference to the Chief Cornerstone. In his name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

Grace Given, Grace Received