crumbs41

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 41

1 Peter2:4-8C ornerstone

Scripture1 Peter 2:4-8New International Version4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 7.Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”8and,“A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

Crumbs Often preaching emphasises the , personal nature of salvation. Here Peter gives two pictures of salvation as a corporate thing; the spiritual house and the holy priesthood.

It is not surprising that Peter writes about building blocks. His name means a stone and in naming him Jesus spoke of building His church,See (Matthew 16:18). Peter sees us togetherbecominga place for God‘s residence. The focus is on Jesus, the living stone. The term corner stoneis fascinating. It is laid in Zion and is therefore foundational. It is also chiefand honoured essential in the structure. The cornerstone Christ holds the whole structure together. Jesus is described as living It is resurrection that qualifies Him for this function. Yet we too are described as” living stones”, the same as Christ. In his lettersPeter impliesthatHe who would follow Christ must become like Christ. Christ’s resurrection qualifies us.

The second picture, a holy priesthood makes active demands on us; holiness and the offering of acceptable sacrifices. Jesus assures the acceptability. The following quotes help us understand whatthesesacrifices might be; Romans 12:1herefore, I urge you,brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Hebrews13:15-16Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Peter’sfocus is on Christ. In its search for meaning humanity has rejected Christ but for those of us who follow Him He is precious and the standard by which we judge all else.

. Queries( for private thought or joint discussion)1. What responsibilities are placed on us as stones in God’ house? 2.What responsibilities are placed on us asmembers of the holy priesthood? 3. How does Christ hold the whole thing together?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com 

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