Living with Hope: Hope in the Cornerstone Part 2

Hope in the Cornerstone Part 2

By: Patty Nicholas-Boyte

1 Peter 2:7-10 (NASB)
⁷ This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers, “A stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief cornerstone,” ⁸ and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed. ⁹ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Last week we talked about how Jesus is the Cornerstone that we cling to during times of hardship. This week, as Peter continues to teach and coach, he gives us more insight into our relationship with Jesus THE Cornerstone.

Those who believe and trust the Cornerstone, He is precious. For those who have rejected Jesus, he becomes a rock on their path in life and He becomes an obstacle, an offense. This is why we see open hatred towards the things of Jesus, and towards His followers.

Peter encourages us to press on through the trials, because where we once lived in darkness, now we have light. Where we once were without mercy, we now have mercy, a free gift to receive. Not only have we been given mercy, through Jesus, but also now we can freely give that same gift of mercy to others.

The hope in Jesus, our chief Cornerstone, is the gift of being His child. No matter how dark things get around us, we are never without Him.

Ephesians 2:19-22 (NASB)
¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

For the hard decisions in life that bombard us every day can easily distract and overwhelm us but if we remember who we are as children of the Most High God and cling to Jesus, and to our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we can have hope.

What can we learn from 1^st Peter?

· For those who put their faith in Jesus as the Cornerstone, He becomes a firm foundation, and someone to cling to in times of trouble. For those who reject Him, He becomes a stumbling block.

· We were chosen by God our of darkness and brought into light for a purpose, to proclaim His excellences and to help others find their purpose in the light of His presence.

· Thank God for choosing us and offering his mercy. Offer that same mercy to others.

Psalm 61:1-4 (NASB)
1 Hear my cry, God; Give Your attention to my prayer. ² From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ³ For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. ⁴ Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.

What questions can we ask ourselves that can affect change?

1. In what way have I not made Christ my Cornerstone and foundation?
2. Who in my life has rejected Christ as their Cornerstone that God wants me to reach out to and offer the free gift of mercy?
3. Am I acting as a royal priest and a child of God? What does God want me to do to change my perception of myself, and to act accordingly in my relationship with Him?
4. What mercies has God bestowed on me that I might have overlooked? What do I need to thank Him for today?