Where Is My Cornerstone?
LENT 2022 | DAY 26
Matthew 21:23-46 (NIV)
Ruth Tan, Assistant Pastoral Care Zone 11 Leader, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 21:23-46, focusing on verses 33-44 (NLT)
OBSERVE:
As I read this passage, I could imagine the scenes for a Korean drama. How the villains plotted and killed the servants of the landowner. Why would the landowner send his son, even after his servants were killed? What now, he’s going to the vineyard himself, after his son died? Like the Pharisees, I had similar thoughts, surely “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”
But this landowner did the contrary. Jesus (our story teller) asked, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’” As religious leaders, they would have read Isaiah 28:16 (ESV) – Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation…”
Jesus affirmed that He is the cornerstone and a firm foundation of our faith when we do not reject Him. God did not pass His righteous judgement on the wicked. Instead He patiently waits for wicked hearts to repent and turn to Him but there’s a warning to the ending of the drama. “I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”
APPLY:
Can I honestly say, since I did not reject God, I am fine as a disciple? Have I truly acknowledged Jesus as a cornerstone of my life, choosing to always obey Him or only sometimes? Have I promised to serve Him even if it is challenging or do I “siam” (avoid) because of inconvenience? Am I making an effort to be an intentional disciple, even if it is 3 steps forward and 2 steps backward or do I give up, instead of press on? Am I loving and gracious towards my fellow believers in Small Group and church as Jesus would want me to be?
Jesus is not only the foundation of my faith but He is also the foundation of the church. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” v11 – “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have — Jesus Christ.”
Am I journeying alongside my fellow workers in church to build a community of faith and to grow into intentional disciples of Christ?
DO:
1 Peter 2:5 – “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.”
As a living stone, I want to be mindful not to stumble others but to encourage them, to be a companion, to surrender and trust the Lord, my cornerstone. I will make time to reflect intently on the reading of His word, learning this through the course in Companions in Christ, especially during this time of Lent.
A former PIC concluded his sermon in our church with a story about Johann Sebastian Bach, who happens to be my favourite composer. At the end of Bach’s composition, he inscribed these initials S.D.G. (Soli Deo Glory) “To God alone, the glory”. I am reminded to live my life such that my actions bring glory to His name, daily.
PRAY:
Dear Father God,
I am weak but You are strong. Fill me with Your love and power to be the disciple You want me to be. Use me as a vessel to be a blessing to others and to glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
