The Hope of His Resurrection!
The Old Testament proclaims of a precious cornerstone that serves as humanity’s spiritual foundation: Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16a). Yet, Scripture tells us that this precious stone was initially rejected by the builders: The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).
I read a story one time.
The stones of the Temple were all quarried off-site and brought to the Temple Mount, with each stone labeled to show where it fit. Quarry workers had carved them in such a way that the blocks interlocked, meaning the builders didn’t have to use mortar. As the Temple rose on Mount Moriah, observers heard no sound of hammer or trowel.
The story goes that one stone arrived without any markings on it. The builders didn’t know where it went and thought, They’ve made a mistake at the quarry. They’ve sent us this stone that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere. So they cast it aside. Over time, weeds grew and covered the discarded stone.
Finally, the time came when the only piece lacking was the chief cornerstone. So the builders sent a message to the quarry: “Hey, you guys haven’t sent us the chief cornerstone.” But the quarry workers said they had already sent it a while back. A big dispute arose over the issue until someone finally stumbled across a stone hidden in the weeds—and they realized that the stone the builders rejected was in fact the chief cornerstone.
I remember all of the difficult times I had and there were times it seemed like I had no hope, I was rejected, and threw to the side. But Jesus, I said But Jesus.
What does this mean for us today? 1 Peter 2:4-5
4-5 Coming to Him as to 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.
It explains that this stone is Jesus Christ, and that faith in Him is the foundation for all believers: Coming to Him as to 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.
Introduction: What we are talking about today, shows us the core of how the resurrection gives us hope for today and eternity.
Main Points
1. The Promise of His Resurrection
2. Victory Over Death
3. Living in Resurrection Power
4. Hope for Eternity