The Chief Cornerstone

Psalm 118 says "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; The righteous will enter through it. I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, And You have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. This is the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

The Stone that was rejected, Jesus Christ the crucified one, has defeated the Serpent and accuser of the brethren, and he has overcome the world, and atoned for our sins. He who died is now alive and is that chief cornerstone upon which we who are his are being molded and shaped into building blocks built into the holy temple of our God.

Jesus Christ, wonderful counselor, who was unjustly accused before a hypocritical court of liars and tyrants now sits enthroned over all the nations in the heavenly courtroom from which he dispenses justice and mercy. The Messiah who the Jews handed over to pagan gentiles to be mocked, spit upon, and beaten is now worshiped in reverence and holy fear by both gentiles and Jews alike, together in one body, the church, the holy Israel of God. The Great Physician who was mercilessly scourged, bruised, and broken, now offers mercy, healing and comfort to the broken and downtrodden.

The holy lamb of God who could not carry his own cross but was helped by Simon from Cyrene who was forced to bear the cross for him has now enabled millions to voluntarily take up their crosses daily to follow him through suffering, persecution and even to death. The innocent and righteous one who crucified along with two thieves was numbered among sinners now takes sinners like you and I and numbers them with the saints. The one arrayed in glory before time began who had his garments gambled over and divided among the heathens now clothes heathens in righteousness, garments unstained by sin.

The prince of peace who was crucified with the inscription charging him as “the King of the Jews” now sits at the right hand of God as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Son of God who cried out "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me" now is exalted by God the Father above every nation, every throne, and all of creation. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess him as Lord. The one called Emmanuel, God with us, who was acquainted with grief and sorrow is now the great high priest who beckons us to draw near to find mercy and grace in time of trouble. The Son of Man who breathed his last breath and died is now alive. The grave could not hold him. He is alive. He is the resurrection and the life.

(An excerpt from a sermon on Mark 16 preached 4/21/19 at Sovereign King Church.)