Jesus Christ, Our Cornerstone
Sunday’s Verse:
From Psalm 118:24 ESV
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
When most of us read this verse, images of blue skies, celebrations, or some other happy occasion come to mind. And of course, there are plenty of reasons to rejoice and be glad every day because of all the blessings God provides. But Psalm 118 calls us to rejoice for one reason above all others.
Earlier in the Psalm, the writer writes:
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22)
Jesus Christ is that Cornerstone. He was rejected by men. He was crucified on a tree and placed in a tomb. But the Father raised Him up and made Him the foundation of our salvation. The “day that the Lord has made” is ultimately the day of Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the grave.
Because Christ is our Cornerstone, our joy does not rest on good weather or fair conditions. Our joy does not rest on being healthy or not having difficult circumstances. Our joy rests on the solid foundation of God’s grace. Because of Jesus, our sins are forgiven, our future is made sure, and our lives are built on the One who will not let us down.
Martin Luther said that he found certainty outside of himself. When his heart was troubled, Luther looked to Christ alone. Brothers and sisters, when our hearts are overwhelmed, we look not to ourselves but to the Cornerstone God has laid before us. There we find peace. There we find hope. There we find a reason to rejoice every single day.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus Christ, our Cornerstone, we thank You for having triumphed over sin and death. Build our lives upon the truth of Your Word and Your grace. Give us a joy that does not rely on good weather or fair circumstances but makes its home in Your saving work. Help us to rejoice and be glad in the day that You have made, for You are our God who reigns forever. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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