We are LIVING Stones

1 Peter 2:4-6 (NKJV)
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. 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.”

In this text, Jesus is likened to a Stone foundation, in fact here He is called the Chief Cornerstone.  He is also referred to as a Living Stone, to indicate that He is the source of life to ALL His followers.

Peter tells us that people who follow Jesus are likewise like Living stones.  This reveals that it is in union with Christ that we live, move and have our being.  See the stones of a building are of no real use unless they occupy their proper places in a building, and rest securely on the foundation.  Stones dislodged from a building that are no longer connected to the building are no longer considered building material or useful but instead are generally referred to as rubble; defined as fragments of broken stones & bricks.  But those who build their house on Jesus, on the unadulterated and pure Word, then like the wise man who built his home upon the rocks, come what may, you’re Still Standing!

There is actually a plant called living stones (a/k/a Lithops), they look very much like the rocks they are growing near.  The difference being of course that they are not rocks but actually a plant native to South Africa.  They range in color from gray to brown to green with varied patterns on top.  Although it looks like a rock, during late summer a single daisy like flower will bloom from each plant.  Similarly, we are living stones, we look like everyone else by way of our outward appearance; yet we are different; for we, through God, are made fully alive.  Moreover, when we are properly nourished by the Word of God, and reach maturity just like Lithops you can see us begin to blossom, flower and bear good fruit!

To God Be The Glory

The weeks of Advent remind us to set aside some time during the holiday season to reflect on our faith. The Bible readings we will read echo the Advent themes of waiting, preparation, hope, and the coming of the promised Messiah.