The stone that was rejected has become the honored Corner Stone of humanity, the rock foundation of our very existence. What an amazing thing God has done, (Matthew 21:42).
Let us live as a person who’s learned from history to be more mindful of whom and what you reject.
We reject those who can make a difference in church, family, City, State, and Country. People with a special gift, and whose abilities are unique to them only. The genesis of a rejection-laden existence lies at the threshold of home, emanating outward ensnaring the entire community.
In (1 Peter 2:7) we are told how precious to you the rejected stone is now, for it has become the Corner Stone, the most honored and important stone that undergirds the pillar that upholds the entire structure. We must not allow the religious leaders to be like the builders who rejected Jesus Christ, the central character of God’s plan for man’s salvation.
In (Matthew 20:16) we are told how the last shall be first, and the first, last. It is part of a parable known as the Parable of the Worker in the Vineyard. Many are called, but few are chosen. This is a caution against envy and self-righteous attitudes. Those workers in the Vineyard hired first, were upset because they expected more than what they agreed upon. The owner of the Vineyard explains to them, that he has not been unjust, but rather he has been generous to those who were hired last. The order of priority and reward in the Kingdom of Heaven differs from worldly understanding. God’s grace extends to all who respond to HIS call, regardless of their status or timing.
In God’s economy, social hierarchies or worldly status do not determine one’s ultimate significance or reward. HIS Kingdom will often invert or challenge worldly notions of success, elevating those who are typically overlooked and undervalued.
Matthew 21:42
New International Version
42 “Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
“‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
Matthew 21:42
King James Version
42 “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”
Matthew 21:42
Living Bible
42 “Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone rejected by the builders has been made the honored cornerstone; how remarkable! what an amazing thing the Lord has done’?”
1 Peter 2:7
New International Version
7 “Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” ”
1 Peter 2:7
King James Version
7 “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,”
1 Peter 2:7
Living Bible
7 “Yes, he is very precious to you who believe; and to those who reject him, well—“The same Stone that was rejected by the builders has become the Cornerstone, the most honored and important part of the building.” ”
Matthew 20:16
New International Version
16 “ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” ”
Matthew 20:16
King James Version
16 “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”
Matthew 20:16
Living Bible
16 “And so it is that the last shall be first, and the first, last.” ”