In trials, come to Jesus!

1 Peter 2:4-10.

The passage describes Jesus as the living Stone and then believers as living stones, i.e. of the same kind as Jesus. Therefore, what happens to the living Stone happens to the living stones.

Jesus was chosen by God but humans rejected Him (v4). Likewise, believers are chosen by God to offer spiritual sacrifices by holy living and to declare God’s goodness (v5,9). Also, believers are rejected (1:1,6).

So, what do you do when you feel rejected in trials? Come to Jesus (v4), who is:

• A cornerstone.

Jesus is a precious cornerstone to those who believe in Him and have received God’s mercy (v5-7a,10). A cornerstone is the foundation stone that determines the direction and stability of a building. Similarly, Jesus provides believers with direction (as living stones chosen, royal, holy and special; v9) and stability (as living stones being built together and unashamed; v5-6).

When we feel rejected in the face of trials, we come to Jesus, the chosen and precious cornerstone, in whom we are chosen by God and built up. But Jesus is not only a cornerstone, he is also a stumbling stone.

• A stumbling stone.

Jesus is a stumbling stone to those who do not believe—those who reject or disobey his word (v7b-8). A stumbling stone here is a cornerstone not in its place—one that has been rejected (v7b-8). And just as a structure without a cornerstone would fall, those who reject Jesus—all things not built on Christ—are destined to stumble and fall; they are flaky (v8, Matthew 21:44).

When we feel rejected in the face of trials, we come to Jesus. And knowing that Jesus is a stumbling stone should remind us of the flakiness of worldliness and, therefore, of any rejection we face in trials.

So, what do you do when you feel rejected in trials? Come to Jesus (v4). Peter echoes the invitation of Jesus himself who is meek and lowly in heart - who feels our sufferings and offers rest (Matthew 11:28), and who is the cornerstone in whom you're chosen and the stumbling stone that shows the flakiness of your rejection.

Reflect & Pray

What/who do you go to amid trial’s rejection? How might Peter’s encouragement help you cultivate a habit of coming to Jesus?

Thank You, Father, that amid trials we can come to Jesus, the living Stone, whose atoning sacrifice and resurrection made us living stones chosen and special to You. JESUS, we celebrate You this Easter, Hallelujah.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.