LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 28:16, Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.

A theme of Isaiah 28 is God’s assurance that He will bring stability to the chaos and uncertainty in Israel. The leaders have been trying to build alliances with other nations rather than relying on Him. Isaiah is also denouncing sin and apostasy in Israel, saying the God’s judgment is coming. To this God offers a cornerstone – a sure foundation – where the leaders and the people place their trust in the security only He can give. Isaiah is using this metaphor to point to a coming Messiah who will be a firm and secure foundation for all who place their trust and faith in Him.

As we look at the season celebrating the birth of this promised Messiah, it is important to remember there is no surer foundation for the Christian faith than Jesus Christ. “Since ancient times, builders have known that in every stone building, one stone was crucial. This is the stone that the entire structure would rest – the cornerstone” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Once the cornerstone was set in place, every measurement in the rest of the construction was carefully aligned to it. The cornerstone is straight, and it is true and everything in the building lines up with it.

Paul wrote in Romans 9:33, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believe on Him will not be put to shame”. Paul quoted Isaiah who wrote that the Messiah, Jesus, would be a sanctuary for those who believed but also “be a stumbling and rock of offense to both houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” Isiah 8:14). That can certainly be seen in the gospel of John where he writes that Jesus came to His own people, but they did not recognize Him.

In 1 Peter 2:4-6, Peter writes that Jesus is the “living stone, rejected by men”; Jesus is called this because He is the cornerstone – the cornerstone in the spiritual house of God. It is interesting that in verse 5 Peter refers to all who place their faith in Jesus are “living stones”. Continuing this train of thought, Believers could be considered part of the spiritual house being built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. In other words, Believers are not only saved by Jesus but are being changed as they place their faith in Him, the Cornerstone. The result is walking on a narrow way being changed to be like Jesus. The house Jesus is building will not fall.

 “Whoever believes will not act hastily.” Following Jesus is a commitment to righteousness. This is a reminder that the Believer’s faith be rooted in Jesus Christ, being patient and persistent in walking on the narrow way. We believe in Him, trust in Him, and obey Him, meaning it is necessary to know we are following His leading and not making hasty or quick decisions that can result in regret. Do not rush to act without prayer and considering alternatives when making decisions.

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