Rejection: The Stone The Builders Rejected

My dear mother loved the Psalms. She taught many a Bible study on them. One of her favorite aspects of the Psalms had to do with their foreshadowing of Jesus. David's life, in many ways, pointed directly to Jesus. Since much of the two books of Samuel talk about David's life, it stands to reason that we might find references to Jesus there, as well. 

• “And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” I Samuel 8:7 NIV

God is saying, it is not you (Christians) they have rejected but me (God). 

And...

• “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;” Psalm 118:22

‭‭Jesus, being present when the Psalmist wrote this, knew to whom it was referring. He knew that HE was going to be rejected. 

When He was talking to His disciples, He knew what was coming -- incredible rejection. 

• “But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.” Luke 17:25 NIV

But what about the idea that Jesus, the cornerstone, is also a stumbling block? I find that to be a little difficult to grasp. He is the foundation on which Christianity is built. Yet people will stumble and fall because of Him. Not because of us but because of Him. 

• “He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured." Isaiah 8:14-15 NIV

‭Peter emphasized this in his letter.

• “For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 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,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” I Peter 2:6-8

I'm accustomed to praying that I would not make someone else stumble in their Christian walk. But it's interesting to think that Christ in me might make the unbeliever stumble. 

And Christ had some resolve regarding rejection. He instructed his followers not to let it bother them when people refused to listen. 

• “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” Matthew 10:14 NIV

So if Jesus knew He would be rejected and if He lives in our lives, then we can expect to be rejected as well. 

And if He was a stumbling block for unbelievers, then we can expect to be the same. 

But if He wasn't bothered by it, then we shouldn't be either. 

Lord, help us to be your light to this dark world. Help us build on your firm foundation. But help us not be devastated when rejection comes our way on your behalf. Help us to praise you for your peace in our lives. And to give you glory for your direction.