Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 2:6-10.
For it says in scripture, “Look, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and priceless cornerstone, and whoever believes in him will never be put to shame.” So you who believe see his value, but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Some people don’t believe that Peter, the big brash fisherman, could have written these words. I believe that Peter was fully capable after his time with Jesus. Our Lord can inspire us to use gifts we never realized we had.
In this lesson we are taught that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, but also a roadblock to some. We read “they stumble because they disobey the word”. Not following the path God intends for us means we need Him as a roadblock so we don’t go any further into danger.
Peter tells us we are “a chosen race”, a blessing to be sure. However, he continues that we are “a royal priesthood”, commissioned to “proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”. There are responsibilities along with rights in His kingdom.
In John 1 we read of Jesus described as “the Word”. We fail to obey Him as well, often choosing our will over God’s will. Even as He knew death was near, Jesus prayed “not my will but yours be done” – Luke 22:42. May we be as brave and faithful as our savior.
Loving Lord, You wait patiently for us to return to You in repentance. Forgive us and send us to accomplish Your purpose, that all may come to know You. Amen.
