JESUS CHRIST, the BEGINNING and the END

"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely" (Rev 21:6). "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Rev 22:13).

Devotion 6 of 20

EXPOUNDING THE CORNERSTONE

Paul also refers to Christ's role of Corner Stone. He sets forth Jesus as having been positioned by the Apostles in human thought, declaring Him to be the "Chief Corner Stone." (Eph 2:20). Those built upon Christ are founded squarely upon "And are built upon the foundation of [or set down by] the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone" God's Foundation Stone! The building, or temple, of God does not extend beyond the borders of the Foundation.

Herein is a marvelous consideration. Jesus is both the Foundation and the Cornerstone. To put it another way, He is God's "all in all." All of the types and shadows contained in the Old Covenant are fulfilled in Him. He is the Corner Stone and the Foundation. He is at once the High Priest, Altar, and sacrifice. Everything that we build upon is contained and epitomized in the Lord Jesus Christ, the "Chief Corner Stone."

Peter applies

In his epistle to God's scattered elect, Peter also refers to the "Chief Corner Stone." Rising above the limitations of Law, Peter speaks of the VALUE of the Corner Stone. He does not refer to a philosophical value, or one determined by momentary advantage. His is an eternal perspective that has been embraced by those delivered from the guilt and power of sin. "Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a Chief Corner Stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the Same is made the Head of the corner" (1 Pet 2:6-7).

Those rejecting the Corner Stone refuse to allow the preeminent place to Jesus. They do not mind Him being involved in their lives, particularly in the time of crisis. However, they do not want Him at the helm of life's voyage. Their preference will not be honored! Jesus has been made the "Head of the corner." He will determine the destiny of those who refuse to acknowledge His Lordship, and it will not be good.

Conversely, those who receive Him will not be ashamed or confounded. There is no wiser choice than electing to build upon Jesus, allowing Him to determine the direction and involvements of your life.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You in Jesus' name for a Foundation that is firm, and upon which my life can be confidently built and sustained.

-- Tomorrow: A PRACTICAL VIEW --