The cornerstone
by Faye Schmidt
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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 (1 Peter 2:6b).
Read 1 Peter 2:1–10
A definition of ‘cornerstone’ is ‘the chief foundation on which something is constructed or developed’.
When a building is constructed, a stone is laid at the intersection of two walls. This stone is measured and aligned to the required drawings and forms the base from which the rest of the building is measured. Everything aligns with the cornerstone. It requires the whole building to have been designed to enable the stone to be placed.
For this reason, many buildings incorporate a special stone that has an inscription and is regarded as the ‘foundation’ stone – the stone on which the building has been founded.
Jesus is the cornerstone/foundation of our faith, placed in our world by God to fulfil his plan for our salvation. It is from Jesus that all God’s mercy and blessings are derived.
If it were up to us, we might have made the key feature of a building the roof or a special window feature. Or maybe the main door. Something striking, visible, vibrant and evident.
But it is the same Jesus who was born in a stable who is the cornerstone, located at the bottom of a building, often unmarked and inconspicuous. It is a reminder to us that God’s ways are not our ways.
Being at the base of a building and being the stone on which all others depend means that much trust is placed in this stone, for the accuracy and stability of the building.
How much trust do you have in this cornerstone of your faith? Are you dependent on him for your mercy and salvation? Are you aligning your life with his and following his example?
Thank you for welcoming me into the house you have built with Jesus as the cornerstone, gifting me with your love and mercy. May I be a witness to your mercy and praise and glorify you in my life. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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