Living Stones

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Scripture

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,
(1 Peter 2:4 NASB)
you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
(1 Peter 2:5 NASB)

Observation

There are two living stones mentioned here. First of all Christ is the ultimate living stone -- the cornerstone. He is the foundation of all things and around Him every thing is to be built. But, we are also invited to be a living stone. We are to be like Him, the One who has gone before us and literally 'paved' the way. However, it also means that there are those who will reject us as well. We, who are living stones like Him. Along the way there will be those who trip over the living stones, because they simply see them as obstacles to their own "easy" path which they are creating.

Application

It was certainly not easy for Christ to be a living stone, and nor is it supposed to be easy for us. However, when the living stones unite together, they are able to build "The Church." Remember the Scripture where it refers to us as being the Temples of the Holy Spirit? I remember as I child that verse was used to remind us not to do things to harm our physical bodies because the Holy Spirit lived within us. Therefore we wouldn't want to smoke or drink. However I think we have to question whether that individual sense is what is really meant in that case. If we are living stones, then it would seem that combined, as a people of God, we build together to become the Temple of the Holy Spirit. That there is a sense in which He dwells within us corporately. For me, it makes me have to question where I fit within the community of faith. My desire is to be a living stone within that community -- holding up my part of the building! Being the part of a wall which contains the Holy Spirit. My desire is truly to be a living stone, in the image of Jesus Christ, not conforming to the world, being rejected, and joining together with others of faith to build His Temple.
Come, Lord Jesus -- fill this place!

Prayer

Lord, may I live today as a living stone of Yours. Amen.

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