Living Stones

One of the themes of this letter is Peter's application of Old Testament imagery to these Christians to which he is writing. That imagery continues here as he takes up the picture of the Cornerstone in Isaiah 28 and Psalm 118 as well as the Stone of Stumbling in Isaiah 8. He speaks of both of these as pertaining to Christ and says that we come to him also as living stones being built up together into a spiritual house. He continues the Old Testament imagery calling this new Christian household a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for his own possession. What is the goal of this adoption? This mercy we have received? This peoplehood that has been granted to us who were not a people? That we might proclaim the praises of the one who brought us from darkness to light!What a gift this belonging and inclusion and peoplehood we share! Do we rightly appreciate what that means? In an increasingly individualistic society, have we lost our grasp on just how important this is? Are you hurting and lost and alone? Come find meaning and purpose and belonging in Jesus and his people! Are you a Christian who primarily sees their relationship as a personal matter between you and God? Come dive into the deep, refreshing waters of our corporate identity in Christ. Are you frustrated that "the church" is losing its political clout in the West? Take comfort in the reminder that we are a house built up into the model of our Cornerstone - rejected by men but chosen and honoured by God.