Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 2:1-7.
So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”
Peter shares two important lessons for us – we are spiritually weak, needing to grow into salvation, but Jesus is our rock, “the living cornerstone of God’s temple” (v. 4). We can always count on Him to be the steadfast source of God’s love and mercy. Peter goes on to say that we are the “living stones” Christ will use to build His church.
This is a pretty awesome task to which God calls us. We each have gifts and weaknesses that make us unique individuals. Like a structure made of stones, God has a place and a purpose for everyone.
Each of us is precious to the Lord, and He loved us so much that He was willing to suffer shame and death on our behalf. Now He wants us to be the heart and strength of His church by continuing to share the Good News of His kingdom with the world. Lead us, Lord and may we be good stewards of the Gospel.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your forgiveness when we are weak. Help us to be living stones, strong and faithful for You. Amen.