1 Peter 2:8 “and, a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense,'”
The verse prior to this says that Jesus was the chief corner stone, that the builders rejected. The problem for these builders is that their advice was over ridden. The boss kept to His original plan and kept Jesus as the chief Stone. Thus, comes today’s passage. Jesus becomes a stumbling stone to many.
Why to people reject Christ? There are many reasons. Some are addicted to the opinions of culture. Ours presently says that “many roads lead to God. As long as one is sincere.” Some wanted a more “together” savior. Not one that was born in a manger and was raised as a laborer (carpenter). Others wanted a more socially conscious savior. The people of Israel were oppressed by Rome. They wanted a king to liberate them. Today, social justice is a big theme. Yet, Jesus wouldn’t take up this mantle. He came for spiritual liberation. Some wanted a more intellectual savior. The scribes and the pharisees were these. A verse in “—” says, “Always learning, but never coming to the truth.” Some are governed by money and material items. The rich young ruler was one, “—“. God wants us to live by faith. Some don’t want to do that. Others want to rule their own lives. This might be an over arching theme to all mentioned.
Jesus requires that He is lord of our lives. This seems unsettling at times. Early in my christian walk, I thought He would require me to do extreme things: become a missionary and give up all the things I liked. This was because I had a wrong conception of God. I have since learned that God created this great world for us. We glorify Him by enjoying it and giving Him thanks. We aren’t more holy by denying pleasure. Fasting of food and things has it’s place, but it’s not to be the norm. ___ says, “take my yoke upon you and learn of me. I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”___. I can do that. It just takes trust.
God’s way is the way of faith. God’s gives so much and promises to meet our needs. Yet we get them by faith. ___ says, “The just shall live by faith.” We want to trust in money, people and more. We do need to be responsible. Yet, we need to trust Him. We can be very prepared, yet the unpredictability of life will always toss in more surprises.
Jesus can be a firm foundation or a rock of offense. We choose. Even when we choose Him we bump up against Him almost daily. We make a decision and all of the sudden a contrary scripture comes to mind or our conscience makes us feel guilty. We process it and determine if it’s God. By submitting to Him makes Him a safe foundation. By resisting Him makes Him a rock of offense. By continuing to ignore Him our hearts become calloused and we no longer hear His promptings. All might seem fine, yet we are several degrees off, going in the wrong direction.
Lord, thank You for Jesus, the chief corner stone. Help us to yield to Him.