Tuesday, May 16, 2006
The House (PART II)
We have the plan and tools; now we must begin the work. But what shall the foundation be?
"Jesus said to them [those listening in the temple courts, including the chief priests and the elders of the people (see v. 23)], 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [or cornerstone]; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce it s fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.'" (Matthew 21:42-44 NIV)
The Jews had the right tools and the plan, but they rejected the foundation.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27)
What, or better who, is the perfect and strong cornerstone, rock, or foundation?