CHRIST - THE LIVING AND PRECIOUS STONE

Christ is referred to by many terms in the Bible. One such reference is that of a "stone." Peter called him a "living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but, chosen of God" (1 Pet. 2:4). The Psalmist looked down through the ages to the future when he would be the  “stone which the builders refused" (Psa. 118:22).

Note that Peter says concerning this stone, "to whom coming..." Before one can come to the stone, there are other things he must" lay aside, and these are dealt with in First Peter 2: 1 - things such as "malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking." Only when these are put aside can one have an appetite for the" sincere milk of the word" (v. 2), which will finally free him to come to the living stone which is Christ. But why is Christ looked upon as a “stone?”

The term "stone" is one expressive or great strength and power. Jesus claimed that "all power" had been given to him (Matt. 28:18). God has given him a place above every other power (Eph. 1:20-23). His power was demonstrated over the elements, for he calmed the sea. He had power over disease, for he healed many people. He had power over Satan for he was raised from the clutches of itself, the ultimate weapon of Satan. Indeed, he is able to “save to the utter­most” (Heb. 7:25).

A stone is also expressive of firmness and durability. Time has worn down the marble columns of Rome; it has.under­mined the great foundations of Babylon and Nineveh. But the "stone" of God has outlasted them all. Why? Because he is a living stone! In First Peter 1 :23 we find that God's word is a "living word;" it abides. Jesus said that in him was life (John 5:24-26), and he claimed to be the "resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). This also shows the feelings of Christ. He is not a , insensible object, but is living and vibrant. He feels for us, and knows our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15).

The tragic side of this matter is that he was "disallowed of men." The term is one meaning to "disapprove; reject, or repudiate." His own people denied his Messiahship, for he came to his own, and they "received him not" (John 1:11). They despised his miracles, d his service, and spurned his person. Why such a reaction? It was not for lack of evidence, for he appeared precisely as the prophets had predicted. But he simply did not fit their idea of a Messiah. He was "disallowed" of men for the same reasons. Unbelievers do not admire his doctrine, and the worldly will not sacrifice for him or to him.

The term "to whom coming" in First Peter 2:4 is not a reference to one's primary obedience to the gospel. The tense and voice of the verb indicates a personal, habitual approach, resulting in an intimate association. He is the stone that the child of God can ever turn to and come to. Do you flee to this stone in time of trouble? Do you turn to him when downcast and in need of comfort and solace which no man can supply? He is there; his arms are open, and he will receive the weary saint in need.

In spite of his being "disallowed of men," God has respect to this stone, for he was "chosen of God." Through the prophet, God said "I will lay in Zion a stone …” (Isa. 28:16). This would be done in spite of the attempts of wicked men to thwart God's work and purpose. He was precious in the Father's eyes, for he was given a name above all others (Phil. 2:9-10). God respected what Jesus taught, for at the transfiguration of Jesus, he said to “hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5). God willingly and gladly accepted his sacrifice, for it was superior to all others (Heb. 9).

The sinner as well as the saint can benefit from this “living stone.” First, he must come to him, for there is salvation in no other (Acts 4:12). He must be willing to be taught by Jesus, for Jesus called upon men to "come learn of me" (Matt. 11:28). The sinner needs to learn what Christ would have him do and be. An honest heart will move him to obey God's plan of salvation, and his subsequent life will be in harmony with Christ's will.

Like David who viewed God as his "rock" and his "redeemer" (Psa. 18:2.; 28:1; 31:3), we too should look upon Christ, among other things, as a rock providing a sure and safe haven. There is none other than can do what he can. All other "havens" are built upon shifting sand, where the muddy and slippery foundations of man can offer no security. Only Christ is the safe and sure stone. – Bill Moseley

 

 

No - I didn't say they are heaven! The news report told about a manager at a McDonald's franchise on her way to the bank with the day's receipts, carrying the "take" in a regular McDonald's paper bag. A sticky-fingered thief met her on the way, took the bag, her car - and left her stranded. He then abandoned the car, taking the bag with him. Poor fellow - imagine how he must have cried when he opened the bag and found he only had a sackful of half-eaten Chicken McNuggets! Seems that the lady had two bags - one with the money and one with the rest of her lunch which she was taking home to "her dog spot!"

Everybody laughs at the guy's plight, but most act just like him in spiritual matters. "How's that," you ask? It seems that most folks go through life grabbing for Chicken McNuggets" when they could have had real riches! Jesus has promised these riches; ones that far surpass whatever this world has to offer.

 

You think the thief was surprised? Just wait until most folks open their bag on judgment day1 Boy - talk about grabbing the wrong things out of life. The only difference will be that in the end, it won't be so funny! So reach for the "true riiches;" things that are abiding, enriching, and that cannot be bought with money. When it comes to see what you have, make sure it is something that transcends all the junk of this world.  - Bill Moseley