1 Peter 2:6—Believe in the Stone

For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 1 Peter 2:6

For this is contained in Scripture:

I picture Jewish believers in that day straining to hear every shadow, type, and prophetic depiction of their Messiah—the One who came during their time and on their turf to save the whole world. When Peter, writing of Jesus, declared, “For this is contained in Scripture,” I can just envision them sitting up a tad straighter and leaning in a bit closer to learn this new thing from Scripture—the thing which would reveal more to them about their Friend and Savior, Jesus.

“Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone…”

Peter was quoting the prophet Isaiah who was seeking to turn the backslidden rulers of Jerusalem away from their arrogant, scornful approach to prophetic warnings of God’s impending judgment. Isaiah had contrasted their attitude of “We have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception” (Isaiah 28:15) to the security of submitted, humble faith in God.

Isaiah had been adamant. That which the leadership had mocked was detailed by the prophet: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed” (Isaiah 28:16). The choice before them was plain: Trust in God’s tested, secure foundation in Zion and submit to His plan OR trust in the false premise that judgment talk was for Chicken Little alarmists, boasting that nothing would touch them; after all, they were the toast of Jerusalem.

Surely the Jews to whom Peter wrote knew this blotted history of their fathers. So many had chosen foolishly; but these disciples had made up their minds—they would follow Christ wherever He would lead.

The revelation of Jesus as the precious cornerstone of the foundation, chosen from before time began, not only made total sense to them, but surely must have thrilled their hearts as well.

“… And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

The tested, precious cornerstone is none other than Jesus Christ, the foundation upon which all faith is built and made secure. And to that revelation, Peter added this prophetic insight: He who believes in Him will not be disappointed.

Do you believe in Him? Then you will not be disappointed—at the end of your life here, you will have an eternal home waiting for you in the presence of God.

Without faith in Him, all bets are off; but because of your faith in Christ, you not only have eternal life, but you also have 24/7 access to the Creator, Physician, Deliverer, Counselor, and Lover of your soul.

But even if details in your life haven’t turn out as you had hoped, you are overshadowed and indwelt by the One who promises to cause those things to work together for your good. Why? Simply because you love Him and are called according to His purpose! (See Romans 8:28.)

Despite the instability of this world, your faith in Jesus is the cornerstone and bedrock foundation of your life.

And you—a believer in Him—will not be disappointed.

Dorothy

© 2015, Dorothy Frick