Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Text: Ephesians 2:21
MULTIPLE IMAGERY
When we look at imagery, we must remember that it is essentially a literary device. We must be careful to avoid a “wooden literalism” approach. Jesus was described as the “chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). However, His role was not just being “chief cornerstone” alone. Paul used an intriguing phrase, “In whom” to describe the central role of Jesus in this description.
PETER’S CONTRIBUTION
The apostle Peter pursued a similar idea in his general epistle. What Peter wrote gives an even more complete picture.
“Coming to Him as a living stone,
rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house,
a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
‘Behold I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means
be put to shame.’
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious;
But to those who are disobedient,
‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.’
And
‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.'”
1 PETER 2:4-8
1. The chief cornerstone
Peter identifies him as the Lord Jesus Christ also. He adds that Jesus was “elect (and) precious”.
2. Chosen by God
God is not only the Architect. He is also the Person who selects the stones that make up the whole building.
3. Those who reject
He too mentioned that there would be some who would reject Jesus. These would stumble over the person and the place of Jesus as the “chief cornerstone”. They have no place in the spiritual house that God would build around Jesus.
4. Those who believe
These would not be “ashamed”. The Lord Jesus is not just an object of faith, but He is regarded by believers as “precious”.
5. Believers are “living stones”
Peter adds one special thought. He suggests that all believers are “living stones” God uses all living stones to build up “a spiritual house”.