The stone

“So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.” Isaiah 28:16
In Old Testament imagery, a rock or a stone is a common picture of Jesus Christ. Paul writes about the rock that was struck by Moses in the desert and provided water for the people to drink, saying, “and that rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:4). Elsewhere he writes of Christ as the foundation stone (1 Cor. 3:11). Peter writes about the living stone (1 Pet. 2:4). Jesus referred to Himself as the stone the builders rejected which had become the capstone (Matt. 21:42-44, see also Acts 4:10-12, 1 Pet. 2:7).
Here we see a stone laid in Zion, the city of God. It has been tested and proven to be strong. Jesus was tested at the cross, and proved Himself to be faithful and obedient to the Father’s will. We can trust Him completely with our lives, knowing that He will lead us to eternal salvation. He is the foundation stone for our faith. If we place our trust in Him, we will never be shaken (Matt. 7:24-27).
Jesus is also called ‘a precious cornerstone’. He is the foundation for us not only as individuals but also collectively as the church. The purpose of a cornerstone is to ensure that the building is straight on all sides, so that it is strong and true. It is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit” (Eph. 2:20-22). All true believers are part of the body of Christ, the church. Are you doing your part?