Scripture
“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see.”

Observation

Jesus tells a parable about a man who planted a vineyard, dug a pit for pressing the grapes, built a wall around it, and a watch tower. He then rented it out to tenants in exchange for a share of the crop

When harvest time comes, the man sends a servant to collect his share of the crop. But the tenants beat him and send him away with nothing. The man sends more servants, but the tenants beat some and kill others. Finally he sends his son, but they kill him.

The religious leaders realise this parable is aimed at them. They want to arrest Jesus, but they are afraid of the crowds.

Application
The New Testament quotes this verse from Psalm 118, more than any other verse from the Old Testament. It is a description of how God takes those who are rejected and raises them to a position of honour. The stone that had been deemed unworthy of use in the building turns out to be perfect as the cornerstone, that is, the most important stone of all.

We see this scenario played out right through the scriptures. David, Moses, Joseph and many others come to mind.

Of course Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and put to death on a cross. He was raised from the dead, ascended to heaven and now he is the King of kings and Lord of lords. People continue to reject Jesus, but they do so at the risk of eternal punishment.

Jesus is the only way to the Father. He is the most important of all.

Listen

Keith, I honour the way you are welcoming the people who are “the stones that the builders rejected.” Don’t give up on them.

You have heard the expression, “diamond in the rough.” This refers to an uncut diamond that looks like any other rock. When it is cut and polished by an expert tradesman, it becomes a thing of beauty and value.

My diamonds in the rough are like that. Some of them will reject me and you also. But the ones who go on and embrace all that I have for them, they make it all worthwhile.