JESUS THE CORNERSTONE

In the grand tapestry of existence, from the vastness of creation to the intimate corners of our hearts, there's a foundational element that holds everything together. This cornerstone, essential and irreplaceable, is none other than Jesus Christ.

Imagine a vineyard, lush and fruitful, entrusted to caretakers by its owner. The owner, living far away, sends servants to collect his share of the harvest. But the caretakers, consumed by greed and rebellion, beat and send away each servant empty-handed. In a final act of grace, the owner sends his beloved son, thinking, "Surely they will respect him." But the caretakers, seeing an opportunity to seize the inheritance for themselves, kill the son and cast him out of the vineyard.

This parable, found in Luke 20:9-18, paints a vivid picture of God's relationship with humanity. The vineyard represents God's creation and His chosen people. The caretakers are the religious leaders entrusted with shepherding God's people. The servants are the prophets sent throughout history to call people back to God. And the son? He is Jesus Christ, God's final and ultimate messenger.

The story doesn't end with the son's death, however. It concludes with a sobering question: "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?" The answer is clear – he will come and destroy those caretakers, giving the vineyard to others.

This parable serves as both a historical account of God's dealings with Israel and a stark warning to all who would reject His Son. It reveals the patience and grace of God, sending messenger after messenger, offering chance after chance for repentance. But it also shows that this grace has a limit. The rejection of the son marks a point of no return, a final rejection that brings judgment.

The parable then transitions to the image of a cornerstone – the most crucial stone in a building's foundation. Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This rejected stone, Christ himself, becomes the foundation of God's new temple – the church.

This cornerstone imagery extends far beyond just the church, however. Consider these profound truths:

1. Jesus is the cornerstone of all creation. Colossians 1:15-17 declares that by Him all things were created, both in heaven and on earth. He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. From the farthest star to the smallest atom, Jesus' word upholds it all.
2. Jesus is the cornerstone of the entire biblical narrative. In Luke 24:27, we see Jesus explaining to his disciples how all of Scripture, from Moses through the prophets, spoke of Him. He is the thread that weaves the entire Bible together, the key that unlocks its deepest mysteries.
3. Jesus is the cornerstone of the church. Ephesians 1:22-23 proclaims Him as the head over all things for the church, which is His body. We, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house with Christ as our foundation (1 Peter 2:5).
4. Most importantly, Jesus must be the cornerstone of our individual lives. A life built on any other foundation is destined to crumble.

The implications of this truth are staggering. If Jesus is truly the cornerstone of all existence, then rejecting Him is the most catastrophic decision one can make. The parable warns that everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whom it falls will be crushed.

This leaves us with a crucial question: Have we accepted or rejected the Son? This is the fundamental issue that determines the trajectory of our lives and our eternal destiny. It's easy to get caught up in the minutiae of daily sins and struggles, but the most essential matter is our relationship to Christ.

The Apostle Paul understood this, declaring in 1 Corinthians 2:2, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." This laser focus on Christ as the cornerstone should shape every aspect of our lives – our relationships, our finances, our ambitions, and our worldview.

Living with Christ as our cornerstone means recognizing that nothing truly belongs to us. Our time, our talents, our treasures – all are gifts entrusted to us by the true owner. When faced with decisions about how to use our resources, the question shouldn't be, "How much should I give to God?" but rather, "How much of God's resources should I keep for myself?"

This shift in perspective transforms how we approach everything in life. It affects how we raise our children, how we treat our neighbors, how we conduct ourselves at work, and even how we drive down the street. Every aspect of our existence should reflect the reality that our lives are built on Christ.

The good news is that while there will come a day when grace runs out, that day is not today. The very fact that you're reading these words is evidence that God's grace is still extended to you. There's still time to ensure that your life is built on the true cornerstone.

As we reflect on these truths, let's take stock of our lives. Are we living as faithful stewards, recognizing that everything belongs to God? Or are we like the rebellious caretakers, trying to claim for ourselves what rightfully belongs to Him? Are we building our lives on the unshakeable foundation of Christ, or are we constructing on shifting sand?

The invitation stands: build your life on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone. Let Him be the foundation of your thoughts, your actions, your relationships, and your ambitions. In doing so, you'll find a life that stands firm amidst the storms, a life that bears fruit for eternity, a life that truly matters.

Remember, it all belongs to Him. Our response should simply be, "It's yours, Jesus. It's all yours."