Jesus is the Cornerstone

I've been getting into a bit of handyman activity lately. A few months ago, my father-in-law gave me a collection of tools. It was like a ‘rite of passage’ of sorts. I was of course grateful for this bounty of hardware, not least of which - a couple of pairs of fashionable safety goggles. They were joined by a plethora of screwdrivers, a few magnetic levels and an assortment of tool bags - one for every occasion.

Apparently, one of the key principles of owning tools is the requirement to continually buy more tools. One tool leads to another. For the home handyman, the thought of just borrowing a tool you will only rarely use is completely unthinkable, out of the question. After all, you never know when circumstances will call for a plasma cutter, only to realise you didn't spend the couple of thousand dollars when you had the chance.

While still a carpentry novice, I have learnt that cutting corners at the start of a job causes complications down the line. It is important to start with a 'square' frame or foundation; to ensure the foundation or frame is well fixed and secure and made of the finest and most durable materials.

It has been deeply satisfying to stand back at the end of the day and admire the fruits of my labour. Though ‘trial and error’ has been the instruction manual of choice, the day ends with purveying what has been made; by taking a few moments for admiration.

The story of God begins with Him hard at work. He is the Author; the Creator; the Architect and the Builder if you will; He rests to admire His work. God enjoys His work.

This similar enjoyment we experience in both what we create and in the creating itself, is surely an echo of the image of God in us.

I like what I have done with my house. If a visitor to my home shows even the slightest detectable interest, they will be subjected to a full tour of my works.

We want other people to enjoy that which we have enjoyed creating. We start our work with the end point in mind, spurring us on to completion.

Jesus is the foundation of our faith. He is the centerpiece of God’s story. He is the climactic depiction of the love of God, the capitulation, the One the whole story is pointing towards. He is also the starting point and the reference by which the rest of the story is written.

Jesus is the cornerstone.

Just as the cornerstone was the first stone that was laid; the stone to which all the other stones are set and find their reference; so Jesus is the cornerstone for our lives. He is the centerpiece of our hope and the compass for all of our endeavours.

Imagine the enjoyment God takes as His story unfolds, as we are built brick by brick into His Church, fixed firmly on Jesus Christ Himself.

What confidence we can take in building our lives on the very same foundation that God Himself has chosen for what He is building.

By singing that Christ alone is our cornerstone, we are declaring that Jesus is the firmest of foundations. Jesus is the reference point for our worship and indeed for all that we have and all that we are. He is the One who holds all things together.

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Luke 20:17 (NLT)

“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. Together, we are His House, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." Ephesians 2:20 (NLT)

This article was originally posted on Hillsong Collected on May 16,2012