Cornerstone

What is a cornerstone?  Cornerstone is defined as “a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls; an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based.”  So, what does it mean that Jesus is the “cornerstone”?  Isaiah 28:16-17 says:

 “Therefore thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
    a stone, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:
    ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
And I will make justice the line,
    and righteousness the plumb line;
and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,
    and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”

So, God tells us Himself that He is the cornerstone, the foundation.  Jesus is God’s son, He is God, so therefore, He is the cornerstone.  That brings us to 1 Peter 2:4, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God an precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”  So, what does that mean, “living stone”?  Jesus is the cornerstone.  We are the stones that God is using to build his house (spiritual).  As believers we place our trust in Jesus.  We place our lives upon His foundation so that we can grow. 

One of the hymns that I loved growing up in church was “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less”.  It says:

“My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,  All other ground is sinking sand.’

If we don’t put our trust in the “cornerstone” and build a good foundation, how will our faith survive?