Tuesday, March 27, 2012

(Dutch) Reformed Church in America Lent Devotions for Monday, 26 March 2012

From rca.org:


Lent Devotions



Posted: 25 Mar 2012 11:36 AM PDT
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes" (Psalm 118:22-23).
Have you ever experienced rejection? At one point in time in our lives, we all have.
We may have applied for a job but didn't get it. We may have performed what we thought was "A" work but didn't come close, and we never tried again because we were afraid of being unsuccessful.
I am reminded of the story about Michelangelo's "David" sculpture. From the quarry Michelangelo chose a stone that had a major flaw. It was a massive stone that master sculptors had looked over and rejected, deeming it unworthy of the committed effort of turning it into something of beauty. But the creator of the sculpture had a vision that ignored others' reasons for rejection, looking instead toward the potential result, and forged a masterpiece.
This psalm shows me that God chooses to work in ways that may be contrary to popular opinion and uses the small things of the world to confound the wise in order to reveal God's glory and sovereignty in the kingdom.
"The stone that the builders rejected" may be fit for a use, but according to the builders, it's not for the prime use. As it turns out, this stone was more than fit. Jesus kept his promises and still keeps them today. When we depend on him, Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to help us in life and overcome rejection.
"The stone that the builders rejected." Historically, when building a structure, artisans used a massive, perfect stone as a single point of reference from one corner from which to make all measurements so the structure was built in a sound manner. Jesus is my reference point for acknowledging yet pushing beyond my weaknesses, living a life pleasing to God, and reaching for my potential.
"The stone that the builders rejected." Some may say, "Jesus is not for me because he doesn't fit my perspective, is no longer relevant, is not 'shiny enough,' or is not useful for my needs." Since you are the builder of your life, maybe you've tried other methods; maybe you've rejected Jesus so far. Could you pick up the stone this day and make him the cornerstone of your life?
Jesus became our highly exalted Lord through his life, sacrifice, death, and resurrection, and he has become the foundation of our faith.
This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Amen.
Brian G. Jones, member of Marble Collegiate

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