August 18, 2021
Scripture: Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.” Isaiah 28:16-17 ESV
Observation: This breathtaking prophecy of Isaiah finds fulfillment in Christ. Indeed, Jesus and his disciples identified him as the cornerstone that the builders rejected (Mark 12:10, Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:7). Peter also referred to him as the precious cornerstone on which the church is founded (1 Peter 2:4-6). But this foundational stone is also a means of offense and a cause for stumbling (Isaiah 8:14, 1 Peter 2:8) to those who seek refuge in lies (verse 17 above). As we read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ conflict with the Pharisees, we see time and again how their ears were tone-deaf to his message. Why? Because they had constructed a religion on traditions that accommodated their affinities. They had built a house of lies, and Jesus would wash away their shelter of comfort and stability with his offensive message of grace and forgiveness for all who place their faith in him.
Takeaway: No penance? Come as you are? Scandalous! Yep, that’s our Gospel. And “whoever believes will not be in haste.”
Prayer: Father God, please deepen our understanding of your grace founded on our Precious Cornerstone, who has washed away our lies and self-deception. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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