The Builders and the Cornerstone

The representation of Jesus as a “cornerstone,” primarily found in Psalm 118, can be seen throughout this morning’s service. Nearly all of Pastor Jamie’s Scripture selections (the Call to Worship, Scripture Reading, Confession of Sin, Assurance of Pardon, Benediction) are taken from that majestic messianic psalm, which we’ll also sing at the opening of the service (O Thank The Lord, For He Is Good—Psalm 118). In the other psalms and hymns we sing, we’ll refer to Jesus as “the rock higher than I” (Lord, Hear My Voice—Psalm 61), “the rock on which I build” (How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds), “this cornerstone, this solid ground” (In Christ Alone), and “the solid rock” (My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less). We’ll be using these “rock” and “stone” metaphors in the same way that the Apostle Peter does in Acts 4, when he confronts the Jewish leaders with the truth that “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone” (Acts 4:11). He further emphasizes in his address that “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). This inspired the choice of two other hymns. Like Peter, we look forward to the day when “strangers love [His] charming name” (To Our Redeemer’s Glorious Name) and every knee will bow at its mention (At The Name Of Jesus). —Henry C. Haffner