The Stone

The first mention of Christ "the stone" is found parenthetically in Jacob's deathbed blessing upon his son Joseph: "from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel" (Gen 49:24). God intended this Stone for a "sure foundation," "a tried Stone, a precious corner Stone" (Isa 28:16). Unfortunately, the builders rejected the Stone (Ps 118:22), Matt 21:42-44). To Israel, "the sure foundation" had become a "stone of stumbling" (I Peter 2:8). And so, "Many...shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken" (Isa 8:15), all because Jesus came as a humble stone, and Israel desired a mighty rock! Ironically, in refusing Jesus Christ, Israel rejected the very Rock for which it continues to seek. For, as Paul points out, the Israelites, who came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership, "did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (I Cor 10:4). But for Israel, Jesus Christ remains a "rock of offense." To us who believe, however, the Lord is a "living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious" (I Peter 2:4). Instead of stumbling over this stone, "He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded" (I Peter 2:6). Be reminded that "...whoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (Matt 21:44).