“So this is what the sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay in Zion a tested stone, a precious Cornerstone for a sure foundation. The one who relies upon it will never be stricken with panic’.” Isaiah 28:16
“. . . Christ Himself being the Cornerstone, in whom the whole building is growing into a Holy Temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:20-21
From ancient times, the cornerstone of a building served as the principle construction point from where the entire structure gained direction, formation, and strength. In Biblical symbolism, Jesus represents the cornerstone of the church for the very same reasons. He provides direction, formation, and strength for the entire structure.
Jesus directs the church. He is the head over all things in the church, from Whom comes all life and function for the entire Body of the church. As “Head,” He not only represents life and direction, but divine authority as well. This becomes established through the ministry of the Holy Spirit at work in the church.
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church. (Ephesians 1:22)
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. (Colossians 1:18)
Jesus brings spiritual formation to the church. Jesus stated that the Holy Spirit will teach us everything He instructed (John 14:26). These teachings represent the Holy Scriptures that stand as vital instruction for the church today, as our lives (our disciplines, attitudes, actions, thoughts, and purposes) follow the way of our Lord. Every part of the ministry of the church must be formed after the truths of Jesus.
Jesus provides strength for the church. The church is described in Ephesians 4:13-14 as the full stature of Christ, not easily tossed about by the things of this world.
Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
Therefore, Jesus stands as the cornerstone as He directs, forms, and strengthens the Church today.
Long before the truth of the “Cornerstone” was recognized by the New Testament church, this truth had been prophesied. Isaiah announced over 700 years before Christ came that God would indeed provide a spiritual “Cornerstone” for His people. The message from Isaiah revealed God’s self-reference: “See, I lay in Zion a Chief Cornerstone.” This underscores God’s divine counsel which announces something only God Himself could do – provide the perfect foundation for the spiritual future of His people, and for all who would trust in the name of Jesus.
Isaiah’s words describe the cornerstone as tried and precious. Jesus was tried by Satan (in the wilderness – Matthew 4), by men (when Jesus stood trial under man’s evil accusations), and by God (Matthew 27:46). In all cases, Jesus remained faithful to the Father’s Will, and to the need of man. The stone that has been tried is the stone that carries the full weight of man’s redemption, and the full structure and life of the church. Because of this, Jesus is referenced as the precious stone. This indicates infinite value that offers the same value to the very structure that builds upon the cornerstone – the life and ministry of the church. This fulfillment is announced in Ephesians 2:20, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
So today, church, you are built upon the Cornerstone. And, according to Isaiah’s prophecy, “the one who relies on the cornerstone will never be stricken with panic – translated, will never be disappointed or shaken.” This is your foundation, your future. This is your life. You are secure on the cornerstone. Let’s live in this security with joyful faith.
Blessings.
Ken
