Introduction
The testimony of the Psalms about the Messiah is further discussed in this edition of our newsletter. Here, Jesus Christ as the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone is detailed.
The Rejected Stone
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psa 118:22-24).
Psalms foresaw the rejection of Christ Jesus as recorded in the New Testament. It is written that His own people and nation did not receive Him (Joh 1:11). Not even His own brothers believed Him (Joh 7:5). However, in later times, some of His brothers became His Apostles (1Co 9:5, Gal 1:19).
Rejecting Jesus
It has been testified that when the morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor (Mat 27:1-2).
When the multitude came together, they were asked, which of the two, Jesus or Barabbas, is to be released? The chief priest and the elders persuaded the multitude to say that Christ should be crucified and destroyed, but Barabbas should be set free. So they crucified Him and parted His garments (Mat 17: 17-35).
Jesus Christ, having been rejected and destroyed, was raised from the dead, and through that, He has been given a name that is higher and above all other names (Php 2:9-11). By the name of Jesus Christ, people receive their healing. Peter writes “that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10-11). Peter adds that this Jesus is the stone which was set at naught by the builders but has now become the head of the cornerstone (Acts 4:11). It is through faith in His name that man receives forgiveness of sin and salvation (Acts 4:12).
Mark also cites Psalms and quizzes: “have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? (Mar 12:10-11). It is marvelous that a person who has been rejected and abandoned now becomes the savior of the world. It is only God who makes this happen.
If you think that you are alone and that all people seem to reject you, do not worry because it is not difficult for God to turn the circumstances of His children around overnight, and make them objects of praise. It is difficult with men but with God, all things are possible (Mat 19:26).
Conclusion
Jesus was not recognized as the Lord of Lords by His own people. He was rejected by those who should have received Him. But after His resurrection, He becomes the chief cornerstone, a stone which no one could avoid and still see God. He is the only person who connects humans to God. Psalms saw this and thus testified that the stone that the builders rejected has now become the chief cornerstone.
Prayer: May the good Lord turn your life from hopelessness and despair into a fountain of life and relevance, in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.