ISAIAH 28:16: Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a
tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.”
Historically, the cornerstone was the most important part of any building. The total weight of an edifice
rested on this particular stone, which, if removed, would collapse the whole structure. The
cornerstone was also the key to keeping the walls straight.
The builders would take sightings along the edges of this part of the building. If the cornerstone was
set properly, the stonemasons could be assured that all the other corners of the building would be at
the appropriate angles as well. Thus, the cornerstone became a symbol for that which held life
together.
In the days of Isaiah, the leaders of Israel had chosen to rest their security on a different cornerstone.
They chose to put their trust in their own political savvy. Through various military alliances, they
thought they could hold their nation together. Ultimately, however, this shaky cornerstone failed and
Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians.
Yet God declared through Isaiah that He would establish a cornerstone that would never fail–a stone
that could be trusted because it had been tried and proven to be precious and sure.
The New Testament writers recognized that this stone was Jesus Christ. The Savior said of Himself,
“Did you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief
cornerstone'” (Matt. 21:42). The apostle Peter repeated Isaiah’s prophecy and added, “And he who
believes on Him will by no means be put to shame” (1 Pet. 2:6).
When the pressures of life bear down on you, there’s only one cornerstone capable of handling the
weight. When your need for guidance is urgent, there’s only one cornerstone you can trust to keep
your life straight. That cornerstone is Jesus. Trust Him with every aspect of your lives, and you will
find that He never fails. He’s not just a Rock; He’s the Cornerstone.
A SOLID LIFE BEGINS WITH AN IMMOVABLE CORNERSTONE.