I Peter 2:4-12   "And coming to Him as to a living stone... choice and precious in the sight of God." 

Jesus  is the "choice stone".. the "cornerstone"..  Jesus used the quotation from Psalm 118 as He taught about what was going to happen when the Jews rejected Him.. "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone; This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"   The Kingdom of God would be "taken away" from the Jewish nation and "be given to a nation producing the fruit of it." ( Matthew 21: 42-43) 

Peter is speaking of this new nation - "a Holy nation" - a "people for God's own possession" (v9).  This nation has only one foundation stone - Jesus Christ.  He was rejected by the builders, but chosen by the Father.. precious in His sight... the Beloved son in Whom He was.. and is..  well pleased. 

It is because of Jesus that we are "living stones" and "royal" priests.  Together we are "being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood."  Paul uses this same illustration in Ephesians 2:19 -22 "but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." 

Together.. as God's holy people.. the Church.. built upon the foundation of the Word, with Jesus Christ the precious and chief cornerstone - we have a "precious value" and a "holy"  purpose.   We are priests who "offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." ( v5)  We are chosen to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light." ( v9)  

As the Jewish priests served in the Temple - offering sacrifices and singing praises to God, we are now consecrated to Him through Jesus, offering spiritual sacrifices and praises.  This is our holy calling as believers who belong to God. 

Because we are given such a precious value and holy purpose.. we are urged to remain holy.. to turn away from "fleshly lusts" and to keep our "behavior  excellent".  Our "good deeds" testify of our precious Savior and glorify God our Father. 

I am reminded here of this.. we are meant to live this Truth together. We cannot become a house with just one or two stones. We each have a place in this living building.  Yes, we each have to work on our own "stone" as Paul wrote, "Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident;" ( I Corinthians 3:12-13).  But,  we are placed together into one Body ( I Cor. 12:11ff).  

We are being built up... Peter wrote.. to serve our God- together.. We praise our God- together. We do good works that produce glory to God.. together!  So, let us encourage one another. Let us pray for one another. Let us be "knit together in love" ( Colossians 2:2).  Let us be "built up in Him and established in [our] faith". (v7) And let us be "made complete" in Him who is the "head over all rule and authority."

Father in heaven, we offer You ourselves.. our bodies- as living and holy sacrifices acceptable to You.. our "spiritual service of worship."  Do Your work in us.. cleansing and strengthening us; equipping us - each, so that together we will be a spiritual house that shines brightly with Your glory. Help each of us to live for You in holiness and praise, giving glory to our Savior, the Cornerstone.. and to You, our Gracious God and Father.  Amen.