Jul 29 – The Precious Living Stone!

“As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood…” (1 Peter 2:4–5)

The phrase “precious stone” brings to mind sparkling diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds — rare and highly valued. Yet, none of these possess life.

The Apostle Peter speaks here of a precious Living Stone — Jesus Christ, the Messiah — the tested, chosen, and foundational Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16). All who love Him, believe in Him, and accept Him will find their lives built upon a sure and lasting foundation.

However, for those who reject Him, He becomes a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (1 Peter 2:7). In His time, the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Him. The Jewish leaders cried for His crucifixion. Even the high priest and religious authorities handed Him over to the Roman rulers.

Yet this very Stone, rejected by the builders, has become the chief Cornerstone. Upon Him, we are being built together as the dwelling place of God.

Let Christ Jesus be the foundation of your life. “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” (Isaiah 28:16)

Blessed are those who give Christ first place and live in service to Him. When we are united with this precious Living Stone, we too are shaped into precious stones. This life is not the end; it leads into eternal life, where we, as living stones, will dwell forever in God’s holy presence.

When Solomon built the temple, the stones were carefully measured, shaped, chiselled, and polished — made ready before being placed. In the same way, to make us living stones in His eternal Kingdom, the Lord leads us through trials, afflictions, and suffering. Through them, He sanctifies us and prepares us to be refined, stones that are ready for the New Jerusalem — the Zion of God.

Verse for further meditation: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder… For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:10–11)