Focal Passage: 1 Peter 2:1-10
The people of God are just that, God’s people, defined by belonging to God. Moreover, this “household” of God is built on a solid foundation, Jesus Christ. Peter proclaims that Jesus is the cornerstone, the solid basis for construction of the whole building.
In other words, the cornerstone provides stability, longevity, and holds everything else up.
Now, consider the words of Ed Clowney who once wrote, “… the status of Christians depends upon the status of Christ, for they are joined to him.”
This should give the church great confidence because in Christ we are secure! May the Spirit remind us of this great truth continually.
Even more so, Peter declares that God’s house is made of “living stones,” being “built up” and growing as the dwelling place of God.
One cannot help but recall Eden as the first dwelling place of God.
Adam and Eve were commissioned to expand this dwelling place throughout the world. But with sin, to use the words of John Milton, paradise was lost.
Sure, God dwelt with Israel in tent and temple, but now because of the work of Christ, God dwells within the church through his Spirit.
And the church is commissioned to expand the household of Christ to all nations by proclaiming his excellencies.
There is only one edifice that will stand the course of time.
There is only one building that will hold through the toughest of storms and not be destroyed.
There is only one household that will continue throughout eternity, the household of God.
This household is full of people who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, so let us long for Him as we grow up into salvation.