The Cornerstone Defines Reality (1 Peter 2:1-10)

The stone the that the builders rejected – this One has become the cornerstone… (1 Peter 2:7).

The cornerstone. The first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. As the first stone laid, it becomes the reference point for all other stones laid subsequent to it. Everything finds its definition in this one piece – the cornerstone.

That’s how you know if it’s straight and true.

That’s how you know if you’re on the right track.

That’s how you know if you are deviating from the original intent of the structure.

The cornerstone reveals this. And Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone.

As that first stone provides the very definition and basis of what is right and wrong, what is true and what is false, so Jesus defines our reality. He is more than a Sunday Savior or an occasional companion. He is the lens through which we filter everything else. He is the Cornerstone of our worldview, and the cross of Jesus is the reference point to make sure our interpretation of the events surrounding us are in line with what is good and right.

And we need a Cornerstone. We need one because we are pulled this way and that by our emotions. And when our feelings tempt us to redefine reality we must again and again return to the definition of what we know to be true – the demonstrated love of God in Jesus Christ at the cross.

So…

Today when you are tempted to measure your self worth by your boss’s opinion of you… look to the Cornerstone.

Today when you are tempted to disbelieve the love of God because you feel like you are in over your head due to circumstances beyond your control… look to the Cornerstone.

Today when the world seems like it’s spinning too fast and you are tempted to think there is no grand plan or design… look to the Cornerstone.

Today when your anger rises up in you because you feel that you are being unfairly treated… look to the Cornerstone.

Today when you have the opportunity to either justify your mistakes or simply own them by saying, “I’m sorry”… look to the Cornerstone.

Again and again, remember that which your life and reality is built on, and as you do, allow that first stone laid to set every other stone that is laid behind it. Jesus Christ, the first and the last, defines our reality.