From Praying the Names of Jesus Week Twelve, Day Five
The Name
Stones were used for building altars, homes, palaces, and temples. When "capstone" or "cornerstone" is mentioned in the Bible, it refers to a particularly important stone that held two rows of stones together in a corner, one that stabilized the structure at the foundation, or one that formed the keystone over an arch or at the top of a roof parapet. In order to hold the structure together, the cornerstone had to be perfectly fitted for the task, both strong and well shaped. A flawed or poorly cut stone would compromise the building's integrity.
Jesus is the Cornerstone or Capstone to which we are joined as living stones. Together we form a spiritual house in which God can dwell.
As the foundation stone on which God is building his kingdom, Jesus is strong enough to hold everything together. He is also the fitting conclusion to all God's work. When you pray to him as the Cornerstone, you are praying to the One on whom you can base your life.
Key Scripture
Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'?" >Luke 20:17
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Friday
Promises Associated with His Name
When I was four, I spent much of my time wondering how things worked. I tried hard to understand, for instance, how people made footprints in cement. An older, wiser child assured me it wasn't that difficult. You only had to press your foot into the cement when it was wet. So I poured water on the sidewalk, stamped hard on the cement, and got nothing for my efforts but a sore foot.
In a way the truth about salvation isn't that difficult either, though we often misunderstand it to our hurt. We cannot quite believe that the good news is as good as it is. So we try to add to it. Instead of trusting in Christ's forgiveness when we repent, we beat ourselves up until enough time has elapsed for us to finally feel forgiven. Or we let worry eat away at our faith because we think that more depends on us than depends on Christ. Our misguided notions produce nothing but a sore heart.
Let's get it straight today. The cornerstone of our faith is this: If we confess with our mouths, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved.
Promises in Scripture
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who trusts will never be dismayed."
Isaiah 28:16
If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. . . . "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9, 13
Continued Prayer and Praise
Rely on the Lord, who is your rock and refuge. (Psalm 18:2)
Praise Jesus, who has become the cornerstone. (>John 2:13 - 20)
Recall that there is only one foundation. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Remember that you are no longer your own. You are a living stone, being built into a spiritual house. (>1 Peter 2:4 - 9)
Repent so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:1 - 4:12)
Pray for God's chosen people to believe in his Son. (>Luke 19:41 - 44)
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Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.
