What struck me in this part of Peters letter was the frequent mention of stones – living stone, cornerstone, capstone, but also in v.8 “the stone that causes man to stumble and fall…”

The cornerstone was often a ceremonial stone that you can still see on some buildings today, it is usually at the bottom of a wall where the two walls meet and was the foundation for the construction of the rest of the building. Going back in ancient history in some countries a sacrifice would be made and the blood poured on this stone, or the sacrificed body laid under the stone. It is the rock that the whole building will rest on – which is what we would describe our faith to be – Jesus is our rock and our foundation and as we live our lives to be like him, we will be the living stones of the church.

The capstone was traditionally the stone that was placed on the top of a pyramid or building which signified the completion of a building and provided protection for the walls below it. The capstone is also the name given to the centre stone at the top of an arch which holds the whole arch together, strengthening, supporting.

It is easy to see how this term can be used to describe Jesus. When we are feeling shaky, he will strengthen and support us. He will collect our broken parts and make us whole.

But how could Jesus be described as the stone who makes people stumble? For people who did not believe that Jesus was crucified and rose again to save them from their sins then this was their stumbling block. They expected the new Messiah to be a warrior to conquer the Romans. How could it be a someone who was executed like a criminal? And, we too could stumble though life if we do not follow the teachings of Christ.

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Thought:

Is Jesus really our cornerstone? It is essential that He is present in every aspect of our lives be it sadness or joy. He will support and strengthen us every day if we will allow it.

Prayer:

Oh Jesus, without you being the foundation, I would fall apart. I give myself to you to use in any way you please to build your Kingdom. I am yours. Please shape me to your will - Amen.