… with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Summary: The internet can’t be trusted to get anything right. Be cautious! When it comes to understanding God’s Word, we need to understand the words in it. Especially if it is a metaphor.
When you ask the internet a question, do you expect the answer to be right? Personally, I am a bit of a skeptic. I try not to accept what I read or see as true unless there is substantial corroboration. All the same, I do expect the answers from the internet to be close to right, most of the time.
Guess what?
The internet is an idiot! (Internet + Idiot = Internidiot)
Even I know what a cornerstone is, but the internet doesn’t. I found lots of examples of wrong answers. If we are going to understand what Paul means by comparing Jesus to a “cornerstone,” we ought to have a good understanding of what a cornerstone is.
Let’s begin with what a cornerstone is not.
A cornerstone is not a capstone. A capstone is a flat stone placed at the top of a stone wall or parapet. The capstone overhangs the wall so rainwater drips away from the wall instead of running down the side. When water runs down a rock face, it causes erosion. When this happens it soaks into the cracks. Water in a crack is like a hydraulic jack when it freezes. It causes the rocks to move, breaks the mortar bond, and eventually destroys the wall. Capstones are important for preservation but they are the last thing to be added to the wall.
A cornerstone is not a keystone. A keystone is a wedge-shaped rock or stone that fits at the top of an arch.
The stone in the middle of the arch shown in the picture is the keystone. The stone on top of the keystone is called a capstone.
Historically, the cornerstone is a large dressed stone that is the first stone placed on the foundation of a wall or building. I use the word “historically” because, technically speaking, cornerstones are no longer needed to build a building.
In modern-day construction, we have survey equipment and measuring devices that make it possible to build a building accurately. Instead of a cornerstone, a surveyed “control point” is established someplace near the building on a piece of land that will not be disturbed during construction. This control point is the reference for all measurements during the layout of the foundation and building itself.
In ancient times, instead of a survey, a cornerstone was placed on the foundation. The cornerstone was carefully made. Its sides were flat and true, and the angle of side and end faces was as close to square as possible. From the cornerstone, a string line could be run that would give you an accurate line for the wall. As the building or wall was constructed, the structure would be square and correctly oriented on the property. Without this precaution, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to build a structure that is strong and safe.
In Paul’s metaphor, we are the building materials, and Jesus is the cornerstone. The foundation is the Word of God (Also Jesus! See John 1: 1-3). On the foundation of God’s Word, Jesus Christ is our reference point for everything else. Everything we do is measured against our Lord Jesus. As we conform to our Lord’s will (Romans 12:2), we become aligned with God’s perfect plan.
Application: Strive to conform to Jesus Christ in every way, every day.
Food for Thought: What other illustrations can you think of that might describe how and why we are to conform to our Lord’s will?
What other illustrations can you think of that might describe how and why we are to conform to our Lord’s will?
I like the taste description. How we have a different taste for what we like and don’t. Evil things don’t taste as sweet anymore and I don’t crave them as much. Now I have a different appetite for things that are more of a delight to our Lord. I start to like what He likes. Not so much wanting to always fight. Trying to read His word to live my life right. And leaning, and depending not on my own might.
Excellent answer, Tim!
Sweet!
What other illustrations can you think of that might describe how and why we are to conform to our Lord’s will?
I think of our emotional reactions. Fear, surprise, happiness, sadness, disgust, and anger. They are all tied to our pride. Conforming to the Lord’s Will calms the storm and brings peace.
The one that is most near to my heart is anger. I read in the Bible many encounters between Jesus and others that would make any man angry. None of it mattered to Him, only God’s Will. When we keep our eyes on Jesus I find we can have that perspective as well. It’s not swallowing; when something is directed at me it feels the same as if a breeze blows around me. When it is internal I hear His voice; first comfort, then understanding, and then a calm, righteous reaction in love. Not my righteousness; His.
Thanks Chris!
Anger is a tough one. We are all touched by it at some point. I am with you on striving to share in God’s Peace rather than indulging in anger.
Thanks for the great devotion brother. I appreciated the differences between capstone, keystone and cornerstone. That was helpful.
Another illustration (that is very similar) is that we are all parts of the same building or house that as individual units make up the whole (1 Corinthians 3: 16 – you is plural; 1 Peter 2: 4 – 5). And of course, there is the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12 and others places that describe us as the Lord’s body and He is the head to which we submit.
Great passages, Rich.
Thank you!
I especially like the description of the “body” in 1 Corinthians 12. We are all different, but we all serve the same “head.” Lots to chew on in those words.
04-28-2023, What other illustrations can you think of that might describe how and why we are to conform to our Lord’s will?
2 Corinthians 3:18, But we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting like a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord Spirit.
In God’s time we have each responded to His personal call by His Holy Spirit ( John 16:8 ) and become believers choosing to surrender to His will over our own, allowing the Holy Spirit to begin the process of transforming our lives into the image of Christ.
We received our spiritual life, began to see with spiritual eyesight, and accurately identify good from evil. Our desire to please ourselves over others began to fade as we found the true joy of life is found as we do good for others. We found truth as we obeyed the calling to increasingly study and apply God’s Word to our new lives. We followed God’s leading as He led us to join other believers in worship, fellowship and ministries He has gifted to us.
We are no longer the walking dead, but have become living beings, servants of God left on earth as the body of Christ for the world to see. We exist apart from this world in deeds, however remain in this world alert for opportunities to serve our God and speak to others about Christ as we allow Him to to speak through each of us by our actions. Others will watch what we do far more than listen to the words from our mouths.
By the power of God, we now have life, can see, speak, walk, our sins are covered, and we are guided into all truth.
Ron,
The transformation from the “walking dead” to people who are filled with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit is an excellent illustration.
Thank you! 🙂