I Peter 2:4-10 We "come to Him, the living Stone... "   

 Psalm 118:22-23 " The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."   Jesus quotes these verses in Matthew 21:42.  He was speaking about the Kingdom. He said  that some would fall on this "stone" and be broken.. while others would be crushed under this stone and be "scattered....like dust." (v44) Peter used this verse in Acts 4:11 after he and John were arrested and told not to speak in Jesus' name.  He went on to say, " And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (v12) 

Paul also referred to this image of a stone in his letter to the Romans, " They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, Behold I lay in Zion a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense, And He who believes in Him will not be disappointed."  This is actually a quote from Isaiah 28:16 which is a warning to Judah to turn from their scoffing and their covenant with death.  Isaiah previously had  spoken about God who "shall become a sanctuary; both to the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over.. " ( Isaiah 8:14) 

Jesus is seen as both a precious cornerstone and as a rock of offense.  Those who reject Him are those who will stumble "because they are disobedient to the word and to this doom they were also appointed. "  But, those who receive Him.. " this precious value, then is for those who believe.."  

When we come to Him.. the "choice and precious" Stone, Peter writes, we also become "living stones". We are built together into a "spiritual house for a holy priesthood".  We become the dwelling place of God.. a living tabernacle.. and together,  a family that serves God.  We take the role of priests.. offering "spiritual sacrifices".  We are "chosen.. for God's own possession". We are given a purpose.. to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

We once were not His.. but now we are.

We once had not received mercy.. but now we have received mercy. 

We were once in darkness.. but now.. we are in His marvelous Light. 

The difference is all because of how we see Jesus.. Is he the precious Cornerstone.. the Living Stone who remakes us as we fall on Him?  Or, to we stumble over Him, rejecting His Word, and staying in the dark? If so.. we will be crushed. 

Heavenly Father, we rejoice in Your great salvation! We rejoice in the Precious Cornerstone, Jesus Christ our Lord. We thank You for choosing us to be living stones.. to be Your sanctuary.. Your servants.. Your possession. Open our mouths to speak forth the excellencies of Christ.. to reverence and honor Your Holy Name... and to live in every way as Your Spirit leads us.. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.