The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. Psalms 118:22-25 NLT
In the Psalms, there is a lot of reference and reflection on the daily activities during those ancient days. So, in these songs, that means there is quite a bit of time spent on conflicts in relationships, or over land and even buildings. There are numerous references to war. Also, family and relationship dynamics all in a “kingdom” motif. And if human struggles weren’t enough, there was also the pressure to gain and keep land, as well as build forts, castles, temples, along with walls and intricate systems to protect cities.
At first, I thought about how difficult it must have been to get, keep and maintain both relationships and structures back then. Then I realized, we do similar today. There are still massive relationship struggles, some are power based, some just dealing with position, or betrayal. And, we may not all be dictators, leaders, presidents or monarchs, but we all have a place in society, all have some sense of responsibility and desire to move upward in power, position or even purpose. So, although we don’t currently speak in terms of war, subterfuge or kingdom maintenance, we all still struggle with human relationships and our plot of dirt, owned, rented or leased.
When Nathan is chastising King David and restoring him after repentance, David writes this Psalm bemoaning the difficulty in leading even after conquering all those who sought to take his kingdom, and capturing Jerusalem itself. In all this, David prophetically speaks of this special stone that goes in the foundation and becomes the most important structural piece of the entire building. The cornerstone. It wasn’t just a ceremonial brouhaha, like the picturesque shovel-shot when construction begins. No, it was the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. It was both physically and metaphorically important to get it right.
Here David, somewhat referring to himself as the rags-to-riches, shepherd to sovereign story, sets the unusual significance of the moment. No one expected a field boy to become the critical component for the nation’s success! But this phrase, “stone that the builders rejected” became the prophetic picture of Christ. The normal, if not below average guy from Nazareth, who would become the anchor, THE cornerstone. The reference by which all human beings since the beginning of time would be placed in this world determined by Jesus.
Our lives, our future is not determined by accident, nor by our whim or choice. Our purpose is not discovered, nor achieved by just throwing a stone into a building, wherever we feel like it may fit. Our stone, our life, our mark is made in direct positioning to Christ and where God determines where we should be placed. Our absolute joy and purpose is only found, can only be found, in position to where Christ is, as the keystone of all humanity.
Prayer
Dad,
I may not completely understand the architectural necessity and meaning of the cornerstone, but I do understand my place according to who Christ is! I have found not just who I belong to, but also where I belong in this life and the Kingdom of God. I have been placed for a purpose! I gladly serve at your good pleasure. Lead me, use me wherever you see fit. I am thankful to submit to all that you have for me. Amen.