Our cornerstone
by Rachael Stelzer
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes (Psalm 118:22,23).
Read Psalm 118:1,2,19–29
Today’s reading is an exuberant psalm of gratitude and praise to God, both on an individual and a corporate level. It is a psalm of entry into the temple and involves blessing to others and praise to God.
As Christians, we particularly notice verses 22 to 23, which talk about the capstone the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. We recognise, particularly in the light of this week’s stories from John about Jesus’ rejection by the Jewish authorities, that Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of the day while others were drawn to his light and truth.
But this psalm also contains hope for all of us who have ever felt rejected, marginalised or persecuted. It tells us that God can use those who do not seem to be the cream of society, those who are not strong, smart, tough or loud, to accomplish important things for God. This is the God of the meek, the mourning, the peacemaker, those persecuted for righteousness, and the poor in Spirit.
And we can only respond as the psalmist does, with thanks and praise to our loving God. ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.’
Dear Lord, we can enter your gates with thanksgiving because of the righteousness Jesus has won for us. You are the God of the second chances and the God who uses the stone the builders rejected to become the cornerstone. We praise you and thank you. Amen.
Rachael Stelzer is Primary Lay Chaplain at Coomera Anglican College near Brisbane. She is a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rochedale and teaches primary kids in the Growing Kids group. Rachael loves crafts, reading, and sharing meals, coffee and life with her family and friends.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
